Chelsea first choice goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois resumed training after two months out with a knee injury.
Whilst this is great news for Blues, it should leave Jose Mourinho with something of a selection headache. |
| Chelsea’s Thibaut Courtois is close to a return from injury (Picture: Getty Images) |
However, his replacement, Asmir Begovic, has put together a strong case that his reinstatement to the team should not be the certainty we expect.
In the Belgian’s absence, Begovic has started every game Chelsea have played and has done a fantastic job in difficult circumstances.
He has shown that he is a top-level goalkeeper who deserves respect.
Begovic has been close to perfect and would certainly be the No.1 goalkeeper at the majority of the clubs in the Premier League.
Even with the team conceding on average nearly two goals per Premier League game, the Bosnian has performed admirably, made scores of high-class saves and let a leaky defence off the hook time after time.
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| Asmir Begovic has been in fine form for Chelsea this season. (Picture: Reuters) |
Even in comfortable victory against Maccabi Tel-Aviv, Begovic was called upon to make two or three world-class saves and ensure that the Blues left Israel with three points and an excellent chance of qualifying for the Champions League knockout stages.
It will be really harsh if Mourinho tells him to step aside when Courtois is available.
However, it must be done.
Courtois is arguably the best goalkeeper in the world and will undoubtedly step back into the starting XI.
Begovic signed knowing he would be a No.2 pick and will surely take it well. He could consider himself lucky that he has had a chance to get some regular game-time and show his worth.
As a goalkeeper, Courtois seems more injury prone than most, so we could see Begovic called on more regularly than many substitute goalkeepers.
It is a shame that he will most likely drop back to the bench, but Chelsea fans and his teammates should be delighted to have such a talented back-up in place.
