Media reports have surfaced over the past 24 hours linking the Spain international with a move away from Stamford Bridge – and our head coach confirmed those pre-match.

'It's something that has happened very quickly,' our head coach explained. 'And it's a situation that is correct.'

It meant Robert Sanchez, signed from Brighton and Hove Albion this summer, came into the starting XI for our opening game of the Premier League season. And the 25-year-old played his part in our pulsating 1-1 draw.

After the clash at Stamford Bridge, Pochettino faced the media once more and was asked to further clarify Kepa's situation.

He said: ‘I explained to your colleagues before the game, he has to explore a different situation, a difficult possibility. That is why.

'Yesterday, we were talking and, for us, the decision was to have all the players who are committed and thinking of being at Chelsea for the season.

'We will see. If we have something to inform you on, we will inform.’