Chelsea were unable to extend their winning run to four matches heading into the international break as similar problems re-emerged for Graham Potter. The Blues had plenty of the ball but were unable to beat a stubborn Everton side and there was no masive boost as hoped with N'Golo Kante.
The Frenchman was in the squad for the first time since August having missed almost the entirety of the season with injury but wasn't turned to by Potter. His international teammate Wesley Fofana also suffered a setback of his own.
Having returned from his latest setback last month in impressive style, Didier Deschamps picked him up for the national team but that has since been reversed due to a knock he picked up in the second half on Saturday. Fofana will now spend the next two weeks remaining at Cobham.
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After the game Potter said: "Wes Fofana had to come off with fatigue, as he has had a long time out. He was feeling his hamstring. Wes was fantastic and defended well." Since then he has been officially withdrawn from the France squad. When it comes to Kante, Potter explained his situation.
“N’Golo’s due to carry on training Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday with potentially a game to give him some minutes," the Chelsea coach said.
“We’re still planning it but I think it will probably be internal. That will be good. We need to control it as much as we can and then I think we’ve got about four players [not on international duty], so it is what it is. We have to hope players come back injury free and that we use the break to refresh and prepare for a really hectic April.”
The time off will be a boost for several stars though with Edouard Mendy, Mason Mount, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Raheem Sterling, Armando Broja and Thiago Silva all missing the action at the weekend. None of that group will be away with their countries, allowing for extra time for rehab.
The England duo have both been missing for recent matches. "Raheem has a problem with his hamstring," Potter explained. "It's not too serious but he'll miss the game at the weekend and the international trip." When it comes to Mount, a problem with his lower abdomen has seen him not play since losing to Tottenham 2-0.
"It's the same with Mason. He'll miss the England camp as well," updated Potter before the Everton clash. Mendy has been back in training since breaking his finger but isn't yet available for selection while Aubemayang continues to be left out and has suffered from a back strain.
Silva's knee injury was always set to keep him sidelined until after the international break, too. Broja is the only long-term absentee and won't return until next season.
Having returned from concussion, Cesar Azpilicueta has also had another setback of his own. "Azpilicueta had a knock in training, he's had a problem there," Potter said. The club captain didn't make the Spanish 26-man squad.
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