Graham Potter has confirmed the latest Chelsea injury news ahead of the club's home fixture against Aston Villa. Some of his players were afforded a valuable two weeks off over the international break whilst others were out playing for their countries.
With Wesley Fofana, Reece James, Kai Havertz, Mason Mount and Raheem Sterling all missing out or returning early from their respective squads, Potter is still far from at full fitness for Saturday's game.
"Thiago [Silva] and Azpi [Cesar Azpilicueta] are still away," he started. "Raheem [Sterling] is coming back but will miss the game, more chance for Tuesday. He was close.
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"Mason [Mount] has trained and is available, probably not from the start but in the squad. Wesley [Fofana] will miss the game because his hamstring is still a little bit tight, there's a chance for Tuesday. [Christian] Pulisic is the only one, he had a heavy cold returning from international duty so he's one we've got to check on."
That is far from the only issues for the head coach too with Kai Havertz and Reece James both coming back to Cobham early in the second week of the break. "Kai was fever but he's recovered now and has trained the last couple of days.
"Reece as well, he's had the last two training sessions with us so providing there's no reaction, he should be available.
Elsewhere he also had some much needed positivity on N'Golo Kante after the Frenchman returned to the matchday squad for the first time since August for the 2-2 draw against Everton. "We have to manage that because of he's been out for so long," he replied when asked if he is ready to play from the start.
"The minutes and building those minutes in the Premier League. He's been training well and he's had some behind closed doors time and he's available in the squad and I'm pretty sure he will be on the pitch at some point tomorrow."
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