Graham Potter has revealed that Mateo Kovacic was substituted in Chelsea's win over Red Bull Salzburg due to a potential issue, leaving the Blues sweating over his fitness. The Croatian midfielder had lit up the pitch in Austria, backing up an impressive display with an exquisite goal to give Chelsea the lead in the opening half of the match.
It had already emerged over the weekend that Kovacic was still nursing a knee injury that started ahead of the season, while Potter's last two attempts to rest the 28-year-old were foiled as he entered the play within the first half against both Brentford and Manchester United. However, he was deemed fit enough to start against the Austrian champions on Tuesday and Ruben Loftus-Cheek was afforded a chance to start from the bench.
Kovacic lasted into the second period when Chelsea were 2-1 up before being replaced by Loftus-Cheek after 68 minutes of the game. Potter revealed the Croatian appeared to have a calf issue.
READ MORE: Chelsea player ratings vs FC Salzburg as Mateo Kovacic and Kai Havertz produce magic
Chelsea's head coach said following the game: "Feeling his calf, it was a heavy pitch, a bit of tightness and hopefully it’s not too bad."
Kovacic's spirits did not appear to be dampened following the win however. The former Real Madrid and Inter Milan midfielder was afforded a second away trip that would have felt like home having already played in Zagreb this season.
The Blues star was born in Linz, just over an hour away from Salzburg, with Kovacic pleased to net in front of his friends and family.
He said: "We knew they would come out strong in the second half and a little mistake from ourselves but we reacted very well and it’s an important win. We are through.
"I don’t score many but this one was a nice one but it was important the team wins, who scores is less important.
"It was nice to score where I was born. My parents are here, friends are here, so I’m very happy."
READ NEXT:
Every word Graham Potter said on Chelsea win in Salzburg, Champions League, Pulisic, Havertz
Chelsea vs Salzburg highlights: Mateo Kovacic and Kai Havertz goals earn Blues win
Glenn Hoddle tips Chelsea star for World Cup place as Graham Potter new undroppable emerges
Chelsea star Raheem Sterling sent Bukayo Saka and Erling Haaland instruction amid slow start
Graham Potter has £2m trick to secure Paul Winstanley amid Chelsea Leandro Trossard move
