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Football London
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Danyal Khan

Zsolt Low has already explained why Chelsea made Kepa Arrizablaga decision for Palmeiras final

Zsolt Low has already told Chelsea fans why Kepa Arrizabalaga has been dropped for 'very good' Edouard Mendy ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup final.

Both goalkeepers have been in great form recently and this decision was always going to cause some debate whichever way it went.

Unfortunately for the in-form Spaniard, who was one of the reasons for the Blues progressing to the Abu Dhabi final with his heroics in the second half against Al Hilal, he was the one to make way for the number one who ultimately has more of a long-term future in west London.

This is because football.london understands that Marina Granovskaia and co. are willing to listen to offers for Kepa in the summer as they and he believe that he needs regular first-team football if he is to resurrect his Spain career.

This decision was one of the major changes noticeable to the line-up that Tuchel, who was able to travel after receiving a negative PCR test, decided to make despite the good form shown in the most recent Al Hilal and Plymouth FA Cup encounters.

But is it really a major shock that the short-term option was withdrawn for a player who has just won AFCON and played in the Champions League final against Man City at the end of last season?

"We're very proud of Edou. The whole squad was happy he won the Africa cup," Low said in his pre-match press conference.

"He arrives in a very good mood. Always has a big smile on his face. He's very important to the group. He gives a lot of energy. He was a little tired the first day, needed recovery and a good sleep, but he is fully involved in training.

"We're very happy that he's healthy and absolutely in good shape with good experience behind him. He's ready to play the game."

He then added on the selection dilemma: "We're very happy with both goalkeepers. It's a comfortable situation to have both goalkeepers like this.

"Now Edou is back he is fresh, we have to take the decision tonight. We talk to Thomas about it. The final decision will be some hours before the game but if we decide for one or the other the one on the bench has nothing to be worried or sad about.

"Both goalkeepers had a big performance in the last weeks. This is why it's a question just for this game. Tonight or latest tomorrow."

Despite this explanation, Chelsea fans were somewhat disappointed with the decision, despite their fondness for Mendy.

@Niresh_STJ tweeted: 'Kepa deserved to start tbh.'

@anyonayia made a worrying prediction: 'We will regret dropping Kepa.'

@goalie59 said: 'Brutal dropping Kepa but that's why he is paid the big bucks.'

@x99karma tweeted: 'Little unfair to kepa but that's how life goes.'

Finally, @ColtsFanPO summed up his overall reaction to the team news: 'Back 3 system again? Azpi n CHO wing backs I assume. I understand starting Mendy as he’s our #1 but Kepa deserved/earned a chance to start.'

You can follow full live coverage of the FIFA Club World Cup final on football.london's live blog here.

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