Graham Potter edged around giving too much away regarding his Chelsea team selection against Dinamo Zagreb, with the game holding nothing for his side to gain.
The Blues are already confirmed as group winners following the 2-1 victory over RB Salzburg last week and can afford to rotate ahead of a vital clash against Arsenal on Sunday.
Potter, who has the chance to use several academy players that have trained with the first team and offer first Chelsea minutes to Denis Zakaria, isn't taking the game lightly, though. He said, "We have to have respect for the competition and respect for the teams.
READ MORE: Graham Potter handed double Chelsea injury blow ahead of Dinamo Zagreb and Arsenal
"We have to prepare to win. We're at home, we want to finish the competition off well at this stage, and we want to respond from the disappointment of the weekend. We'll pick a team that we think can win with respect to the opponent, and we'll try our best."
He will be without several first-team players though, football.london brings you the latest.
Kepa Arrizabalaga
Chelsea's new first-choice keeper was subbed off at half-time against Brighton due to a foot injury and missed the final training session ahead of the game. After the game on the south coast, the boss said, "He felt the bottom of his foot, so I don't know, it's too early yet. It was too bad for him to carry on. So that is disappointing for him because he is in a really good moment."
Edouard Mendy was always likely to play the game due to its lessened importance anyway, but he is now all but certain to play.
What Potter said: " Kepa won't be available for the game. Slight issue with his plantar fascia. Looking at probably days but certainly not for the game tomorrow.
Expected return date: Arsenal (H), November 6th.
Kalidou Koulibaly
The Senegalese defender has missed Chelsea's matches since injuring himself late on against Brentford and played no part in the victory over RB Salzburg or the loss to Brighton.
What Potter said: "He will, provided there's no reaction. He trained today, so he was fine. He's available and in the squad tomorrow.
Expected return date: Dinamo Zagreb (H), November 2nd.
Mateo Kovacic
The Serbian has been playing through a pain barrier for a number of weeks and started against Brighton, playing 90 minutes in the process.
What Potter said: "It's just precautionary with his calf. He's got a chance for the game tomorrow. We'll make the decision later on."
Expected return date: Arsenal (H), November 6th.
Wesley Fofana
Minimal news has come out regarding Wesley Fofana's knee injury suffered against AC Milan at the start of October that was set to keep him out "for a few weeks".
The Frenchman is now set to travel to Dubai to continue his recovery.
What Potter said: N/A
Expected return date: Bournemouth (H), December 27th.
Reece James
Like Fofana, James will be away in Dubai to see a specialist on his knee after hobbling off injured against AC Milan earlier this week.
James was initially thought to be okay, but the knock worsened in the days after the match, and James has been revealed as being out for at least eight weeks. He won't play before the World Cup break but could still make Gareth Southgate's squad.
The eight weeks would take him to the start of December, meaning there is a slight chance he could be fit to play at some point in the knockout stages if his initial recovery goes well. He is currently wearing a protective boot.
What Potter said: N/A
Expected return date: Bournemouth (H), December 27th.
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