Graham Potter has admitted that Marc Cucurella‘s start to life at Chelsea has been a struggle after substituting him in two of the last three Premier League games.
The £62million signing hasn’t thrived so far under the manager he worked with at Brighton, but is hoping to make amends against RB Salzburg in the Champions League on Tuesday.
The Blues boss has explained that illness has been part of why the Spain international hasn’t started well at Stamford Bridge, though he is confident that Cucurella has what it takes to come good at the club.
“He’s had a couple of issues, a bit of illness, he’s been on antibiotics, but he’s a lot better,” Potter said of the left-back.
“Manchester United was purely tactical, a need to get an extra body in midfield. He was the one to come out probably because of all the things that have happened to him. A bit unlucky there.
“He’s good, he’s ready to fight for the team, he’s ready to play. He’s a resilient character, he’s a really good person.
“Sometimes when you move clubs it goes really well, and sometimes it can be a little bit of an up-and-down period. Marc’s a little bit up and down but he’s a top player and he will show his quality.”
Kalidou Koulibaly remains out with a minor knee problem, along with longer-term absentees Reece James, N’Golo Kante and Wesley Fofana.
Potter hopes to have Koulibaly back soon and possibly even to face Brighton in the Premier League on Saturday.
“It’s not too serious but this game was too soon for him,” the Chelsea boss said.
“We are hoping to get him on grass either on Wednesday or Thursday but he is not available for tomorrow.”
Chelsea are top of Group E in the Champions League and a win on matchday five would confirm their place in the last 16 as group winners.
