Graham Potter backed Reece James to become a “Chelsea legend” after a stunning Champions League victory.
Chelsea defender James scored and provided an assist for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang as Potter’s men blew mighty Milan away at Stamford Bridge.
But a new injury worry for Wesley Fofana took the gloss off Chelsea’s night as the £80m defender left the stadium on crutches and will have a scan on Thursday amid fears of a serious setback.
Blues boss Potter said: “I think Reece is just a fantastic player. He’s a young player, so he’s developing all the time and he’ll get better and better as we go. I’ve really enjoyed working with him.
“He’s got a lot to offer. He’s fantastic. He can play any game in the world. He’s just tremendous. My job is to try and help him reach his potential because his potential is beyond the sky.
“We love him, he’s so important for us. My job is to help him reach his potential and his potential is he could be a Chelsea legend with anybody. But for that to happen he has to be part of a successful team and that is what we are working towards.”
But Potter admitted they now face an anxious wait on the severity of Fofana’s injury as the France under-21 defender scored his first goal for Chelsea but then limped off and it will be a concern as he has already endured a lengthy knee injury in his career.
Potter added: “We don’t know yet. That’s the one disappointing thing about the evening. We need to scan tomorrow and fingers crossed.
“I wouldn’t want to speculate on it now. But we’re concerned and we just need to wait until tomorrow and get it scanned and hope for the best. He’s a young guy, he’s a strong guy, we’ll help him and support him.”
Potter revelled in Chelsea’s win as he enjoyed his best performance since taking charge at Stamford Bridge and admitted beating a European giant was special.
Potter added: “But as a human being, Chelsea versus AC Milan is a fantastic football match and to be involved in it is something I’m grateful for and to win the match is great.
“Delighted with the performance and the attitude against a top opponent, we had to play well, we had top act well and I thought we did. Clean sheet, three goals, we had to suffer which is good to do because you had to do that in a top level game.”
