Mark Travers to face Chelsea as Kepa ruled out

Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Mark Travers will start against Chelsea on Saturday, Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola has confirmed.

With on-loan stopper Kepa Arrizabalaga ineligible to face his parent club, Iraola has turned to Travers to mind the net for the Cherries for the first time this season.

"We knew it before he [Kepa] came to the club," Iraola told reporters.

"They are the rules - he cannot play. Mark [Travers] will start tomorrow and he has been very good when he has had the chance. I'm confident that he will do well."

The match will be the Meath native's first competitive appearance for Bournemouth since he kept goal for four consecutive Premier League fixtures towards the end of last season.

The 25-year-old spent the first part of last season on loan at Stoke City, before returning to Bournemouth in October following an injury to first-choice goalkeeper Neto, who has since joined Arsenal on loan.

Travers was in the Ireland squad during the recent international window but remained on the bench as Caoimhín Kelleher kept goal for the UEFA Nations League defeats against England and Greece.

Saturday night's game at home to Chelsea will mark Travers' 20th Premier League appearance for Bournemouth.

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