Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta has thrown his weight of support behind under fire goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga.

The Spanish shot stopper has been in miserable form for the past 12 months, and will likely be replaced as soon as Edouard Mendy is fit.

However, his countryman Azpilicueta believes Kepa has the quality and mentality to turn around his bad run of form at the club.

"In football, we have difficult times. In my position as captain, obviously, I know him from a long time ago. I always try to help him," Azpilicueta said during a press conference.

"Sometimes you feel like everything goes against you. You have to have the character and personality to face it.

"I have no doubt Kepa will work hard to reverse the situation. The whole squad are fighting for targets as a collective.

"When you are a goalkeeper, it's a completely different situation but he will keep working hard, giving his best."