Former Manchester United and England defender Gary Neville says Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel’s decision to recall Kepa Arrizabalaga is a “big call” because the Spaniard is “well short of being a top goalkeeper”.
Kepa, who cost £71m, has kept his place for the Premier League game against Newcastle after impressing in the 1-0 FA Cup win over Barnsley.
But Neville told Sky Sports: “I thought we had seen the last of him. Since coming in Thomas Tuchel has restricted shots on goal and I think he will need to do that with Kepa in goal if we go on what have seen in previous games.
“Top managers when they come in think they can improve players so he maybe thinks he can get a tune out of Kepa.
“But I think he looked well short of what a top goalkeeper should be last time I saw him and I thought he would be gone forever.
“I would be surprised if we see Kepa turn around his fortunes at that club because I have to say I he was not what I think a goalkeeper should be – which is dominant in every singles area. And is just not.
“He has horrendous starts and he is not a kid. Tonight is massive. He cannot afford to make a mistake.”