Graham Potter doesn't believe Chelsea's disappointing record with injuries over the past year can be attributed to bad luck alone and accepts it is an area that requires investigation and improvement.
Chelsea are currently without N'Golo Kante, who this week suffered a setback in his recovery from a hamstring injury and is set for a prolonged period on the sidelines, while Reece James is awaiting a consultation with a specialist over whether the knee injury he sustained against AC Milan requires surgery.
Wesley Fofana is also currently ruled out having suffered a sprained knee in the 3-0 victory over AC Milan nine days ago – and research undertaken by Howden last month claimed the Blues suffered more injuries last season (97) than any other Premier League club.
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Steps have been taken by chairman and co-owner Todd Boehly in recent weeks to overhaul the club's medical department. Respected medical director Dr. Paco Biosca departed last month, as did long-serving head physio Thierry Laurent.
And Potter says that Chelsea must continue to look at what they can improve in an attempt to sure key players are available throughout an entire campaign. "I don't think you should blame everything on luck that's for sure," Potter said when asked about the Blues' injury record.
"I think we can have a look and see what we can do better. Obviously, I've been here a few weeks so I haven't got the answers completely. But clearly, we want to always try to improve and that's an area that we can probably improve."
The injuries suffered by Fofana and James occurred in-game; there is little that could have been done to protect the duo in that respect. Fofana isn't expected to feature again for Chelsea before the World Cup next month while James' place at the tournament is in doubt.
The England international has blossomed into one of – if not the – most important players in the Chelsea side over the past year. James provides Chelsea with an assured defensive presence down the right flank but also a hugely effective attacking weapon capable of creating goals or scoring them. His absence, no matter how long, will be felt.
"His performances on the pitch are a realisation of how high his ceiling can be," Potter explained. "I think, yes, he is that type of player with the world-class attributes he has got and the way he defends with [Wilfried] Zaha and the way he defended [Rafeal] with Leao in both games against Milan is a high, high level and he contributes in the attacking phase as well. He is a top, top player."
Potter continued: "It would be wrong to say we won’t miss a player like Reece or NG [Kante] – Wesley Fofana as well. But that’s the job of the squad, my challenge is to find different solutions. We haven’t got another Reece James or another N’Golo Kante. You’ve got to find a different way of working in the team. Tactically, that’s a challenge but one we are up for."
Kante's latest setback is set to keep him out until after the World Cup, according to the latest reports, at which point the France international will be approaching the final six months of his contract at Stamford Bridge. Unsurprisingly, there is much speculation about the midfielder's future.
Chelsea's new ownership group is understood to have offered Kante a new two-year contract which would include the option of a third. However, the 31-year-old is hoping to secure a longer deal either at Stamford Bridge or elsewhere.
Potter has stated previously that discussions over Kante's future would be held between the club and the player – and the Chelsea head coach has outlined what role he will play in discussions.
"I see myself as the head coach. I think part of that is to help, advise and support the club. But predominantly as head coach it’s to try and improve the team and look after the team – that’s the main role," Potter explained. "I would say partly [involved in the discussions]. As a club, you have to take those decisions. But as a head coach, I think it’s normal you’d be involved in those discussions as well."
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