Your morning Chelsea digest on Friday, January 6.
Chelsea handed triple injury blow
Graham Potter has been handed three huge blows ahead of Chelsea's second clash with Manchester City inside the space of a few days. Mason Mount was omitted from the Blues' starting lineup to face City following an issue picked up in training, football.london understands.
On the pitch, both Raheem Sterling and Christian Pulisic suffered knocks. The former was replaced by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang inside the opening couple of minutes following a collision with John Stones.
The City defender was the pantomime villain again just moments later after his challenge forced Pulisic from the field of play. The trio have joined a growing list of injured players at Cobham training ground, with Potter now juggling as many as ten absentees.
READ MORE: Graham Potter outlines David Datro Fofana plan and explains big transfer problem facing Chelsea
Benoit Badiashile misses Monaco training ahead of £33m Chelsea transfer
According to Fabrizio Romano, the Monaco star has sealed a move to Stamford Bridge after completing all medical tests with Chelsea preparing to make an official announcement. French news outlet Get French Football News (GFFN) confirmed the player was absent from Monaco first team training ahead of their cup tie against Rodez on Saturday.
Chelsea have agreed a €38million (£33.6million) deal with AS Monaco for Badiashile, football.london understands. The defender is set to sign a six-and-a-half year deal at Stamford Bridge after agreeing personal terms with Graham Potter's side and completing a medical in London earlier this week.
Benfica reject fresh Enzo Fernandez proposal including player plus cash deal
Chelsea are pushing to sign Argentina World Cup hero and Benfica star Enzo Fernandez in the January transfer window. The 21-year-old midfielder has a £105million release clause but Todd Boehly is looking to structure a deal that favours the Blues.
According to a report from Portuguese news outlet Record, Benfica have now rejected a £79million deal including Hakim Ziyech on a permanent transfer, along with Andrey Santos and David Datro Fofana on loan. Santos is expected to become a Chelsea player in the coming days after Fofana signed from Molde.
READ NEXT:
David Datro Fofana pens emotional message after Chelsea transfer
Leao and Rice start, Fernandez in: Dream 2023 Chelsea XI after four transfers in £303m spend
Chelsea urged to avoid 'huge risk' and withdraw from Enzo Fernandez £105m transfer talks
Enzo Fernandez to Chelsea transfer latest: Talks 'collapse', £114m fee, River Plate clause
Every word Graham Potter said on Chelsea vs Man City, Haaland, transfer targets, Datro Fofana
