Lampard return casts doubt on Kepa's role as Chelsea starter

Any change creates a lot of expectations and it is inevitable that some will feel great and others, on the other hand, will see their current status quo threatened. That is going to happen in the London squad, where the change in the dugout could affect several regulars of recent times.

This is the case of Kepa. The Basque goalkeeper, after being unquestionable for Lampard in his first season as Blues boss, was ostracised when the manager lost confidence in him after several glaring mistakes and ended up sponsoring the signing of Mendy.

Only Mendy's presence at the Africa Cup of Nations, coupled with some physical problems on his return, led then-manager Thomas Tuchel to give the Spain international some playing time. Potter, his replacement, gave him his full confidence and Kepa responded with his best moments since arriving at Chelsea with the tag of 'most expensive goalkeeper in the world'.

He has done so well that Spain boss Luis de la Fuente also called him up to the national team, where he started both games in the last international window against Norway and Scotland.

However, all that could change if Lampard once again takes his stripes away from him and gives them back to Mendy. The decision will be known this Saturday at 3pm when Chelsea visit Wolves.