Graham Potter explains why he substituted Kepa for Edouard Mendy at half-time against Brighton

Graham Potter confirmed Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga suffered a foot injury during his side’s calamitous 4-1 defeat at Brighton.

It was a miserable return to the Amex Stadium for the former Seagulls manager who watched his new team torn to pieces during an error-strewn opening 45 minutes.

Own goals from Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Trevoh Calobah compounded the damage inflicted by Leandro Trossard’s early strike as Roberto de Zerbi’s men raced into a 3-0 lead.

Kepa, who has been a permanent fixture in Chelsea’s goal since Potter’s appointment, appeared to be in some discomfort during the closing stages of the first half.

Own goals from Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Trevoh Calobah compounded the damage inflicted by Leandro Trossard’s early strike as Roberto de Zerbi’s men raced into a 3-0 lead.

Kepa, who has been a permanent fixture in Chelsea’s goal since Potter’s appointment, appeared to be in some discomfort during the closing stages of the first half.

Edouard Mendy looked as though he was ready to come on but it wasn’t until the start of the second period that the Senegal international eventually replaced Kepa

Explaining the change, Potter said: ‘It was the bottom of his foot, I don’t know it’s too early yet. He was too bad to carry on. It’s disappointing for him because he’s in a really good moment.’

The Spaniard’s replacement fared little better, conceding with virtually the final act of the game as Pascal Gross restored a three goal advantage and help De Zerbi celebrate his first win in charge.

‘They played well, the atmosphere was really intense here,’ added Potter. ‘We didn’t necessarily match that level of intensity.

‘We had some opportunities to test the keeper, but it was too open and Brighton were dangerous.

‘We were pushing and pushing and throwing players on, but Brighton deserved it. You have to say congratulations to them.