Chelsea looks to be so worried about their goalkeeping situation that they have included technical director and retired world-class goalkeeper Peter Cech in their Premier League squad. And you can’t blame them, considering Edouard Mendy’s injury proneness and how Kepa Arrizabalaga played so far.
On a more serious note, Chelsea had a good explanation for having a retired player on the squad. According to manager Frank Lampard, the team had a spot to fill and opted for Cech as a way to provide themselves added insurance in case of a COVID-19 outbreak.
“We had space in the squad, and we know this year is like no other because of COVID and what it might do to selection. It was a very easy one,” said Lampard.
While it is highly unlikely that Cech steps on the field, with three goalkeepers in front of him, Lampard didn’t rule out the possibility.
“He is fit, very fit,” he added. “He is still relatively young. He finished playing possibly when he could have carried on playing. Whether we will see him much, I am not sure. It depends on how the season goes with Covid and isolation.”
Despite serving in the front office, Cech is regularly training with the first team. The 38-year-old goalkeeper decided to be around players, offering his assistance and guidance to Kepa and Mendy.
Cech spent more than 10 years with Chelsea as a player, making 494 appearances between 2004 and 2015. He spent the last four seasons of his career with Arsenal before retiring last year.
