Graham Potter is not currently focusing on potential Chelsea transfer activity, but did not appear to rule out the possibility of strengthening his midfield options in January.
The Blues have been without the services of N’Golo Kante since mid-August due to a hamstring problem, while the likes of Mateo Kovacic and Jorginho have also dealt with injuries this season.
Carney Chukwuemeka made his senior Blues debut off the bench in Saturday’s comfortable 3-0 win over Wolves in the Premier League, with the 18-year-old signed along with fellow youngster Cesare Casadei over the summer as part of a potential succession plan for Kante and Jorginho, who are both out of contract at the end of the 2022/23 season and yet to agree extensions.
Chelsea further addressed their midfield concerns on deadline day with the season-long loan signing of Swiss international Denis Zakaria from Juventus, although rumours persist that they could be on the lookout for further additions in the middle of the park when the transfer market reopens for business in the New Year.
Potter’s thoughts have yet to turn to possible incomings amid a hectic fixture list since he was hired to replace Thomas Tuchel last month, but he vowed to be open to January arrivals if the right players can be found.
"I've not thought about the transfer window,” he told reporters after the win over Wolves, a match for which he made a surprising seven changes as Armando Broja scored his first Chelsea goal and Diego Costa returned to Stamford Bridge.
“Thanks for reminding me of that! I've been busy with three matches in a week, but my answer is always that any club has to be, when the window is open, looking for options and how they can improve. But my job as head coach is to help the players that are here and help them improve.
"You can see from the team today that there are a lot of positives, but we are not at our maximum, but that is exciting as well because we can help the team and individuals get better."
