Kepa Arrizabalaga has acknowledged that he will be prepared to deputise for Chelsea number one Edouard Mendy in January.
Mendy is expected to spend several of the early weeks of 2022 representing Senegal at the Africa Cup of Nations, leaving Thomas Tuchel to rely on his backup stopper.
However, Arrizabalaga has impressed when called upon this season, his latest performance helping Chelsea progress past Southampton in the EFL Cup on Tuesday night.
While admitting that he is aware of such a scenario, the Spaniard has suggested that he did not want to think too far ahead at this stage.
Speaking to reporters after Tuesday's match, Arrizabalaga said: "Well, it is two months away. Of course, we know it can happen and I will be ready but we have a lot of games until we start thinking about that.
"Let's go step by step and we'll see what happens. If he goes to the African Cup, all the best and I'll be ready. But it's still a long way to arrive at that point."
Arrizabalaga has made three appearances in all competitions this season.
Darren Plant
