Chelsea are set to be without a group of first team stars for their trip to the King Power Stadium on Saturday. Having slowly welcomed back a set of absentees in recent weeks it is a blow for Graham Potter.
His side secured a much needed win in mid-week against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League and found their mojo but look set to have the core of that team disrupted for the return of domestic action. With the league now not a priority for the season, how Potter chooses to manage his team will be interesting.
There are just over four weeks to go until the quarter-finals with an international break coming up before then too. There is little that can happen in the league to benefit Potter with the top four almost certainly out of reach. This makes his caution for the league all the more worthwhile.
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It doesn't make gelling the squad any easier though with the head coach confirming that key players will be missing for the game in the midlands. Reece James will be out against Leicester due to illness, Potter confirmed on Friday. "Reece has been ill, so hasn't trained today. He won't make the game tomorrow," Potter said. The right-back's absence is a huge blow for the Blues but does present an opportunity for Trevoh Chalobah or Ruben Loftus-Cheek.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was also ruled out of the clash with Brendan Rodgers' side, with Raheem Sterling a doubt. "Raheem had a little feeling in his hamstring, so looking doubtful for tomorrow," Potter explained. "Aubameyang has a slight problem with his back so he's looking like he'll miss the game," he added.
Meanwhile, N'Golo Kante will also miss out on facing his former side. The Frenchman has not played since August's 2-2 draw with Tottenham but has returned to training with his teammates. However, after insisting mid-week was too soon, Potter confirmed he would not be available for Saturday, saying: "No, no he won't [be available]. He still needs more time to build-up. We are looking to build him up to Everton."
Elsewhere, Mason Mount continues to be a doubt after picking up a knock before the win over Leeds. It was confirmed by the Chelsea boss that the Cobham graduate had a problem with his lower abdomen area and will need more time.
"He probably needs a little bit more time," Potter said. "He is happy around the place and wants to help the team, that is normal with Mason. He wants the team to win, be injury free and play football."
Armando Broja and Thiago Silva remain the two long-term absences at the club. Edouard Mendy has returned to training but is still out, meanwhile Cesar Azpilicueta is back from his concussion lay-off.
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