Graham Potter registered a first win in his managerial career over Crystal Palace at the weekend in his first Premier League game in charge of Chelsea. It was far from easy for the Blues though, who had to battle back from a goal down after Odsonne Edouard turned Jordan Ayew's cross home in the first ten minutes.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang opened his account for the club with an equaliser just before half-time, turning his opposition defender before slamming a volley into the net. It seemed as though the points were set to be shared, but there was one more twist in the tale.
Former Palace loanee Conor Gallagher's strike in injury time meant that Potter took all three points in his first league match in charge. The boss has little time to ponder the victory though as the action comes thick and fast, with a Champions League clash against AC Milan up next.
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It must be said that Potter has been granted a huge boost ahead of the game with N'Golo Kante returning to training at Cobham and Marc Cucurella set to be available again too. So, with that being said, football.london has taken a look at the injury concerns the newly-appointed boss faces ahead of Wednesday night.
Marc Cucurella
It has been revealed why Graham Potter omitted Marc Cucurella from the Chelsea squad which travelled to Selhurst Park to face Crystal Palace. The Spaniard, who previously worked closely with the former Brighton boss at the Amex Stadium, started in the 47-year-old's debut as Blues head coach which saw the west Londoners share a point with RB Salzburg in the Champions League group stage.
It was thought that Cucurella would keep his place in the side in the clash against Patrick Vieira's side. But, after picking up an illness, Potter was left with no choice but to leave the 24-year-old out.
According to DiMarzio journalist Nathan Gissing, Cucurella missed the London derby due to a throat problem. The left-back is said to currently be in hospital as he works towards full recovery.
The report states that, despite Cucurella's admittance into hospital, he's 'fine' and is expected to return next week. In what capacity remains to be seen as Chelsea takes the first steps towards a congested calendar of fixtures.
What Tuchel has said: N/A
Expected return date: AC Milan (H), Wednesday, October 5
N'Golo Kante
Chelsea released eagerly-anticipated footage of Kante in training ahead of the Palace clash. But, the Frenchman did not travel to Selhurst Park as the midfielder nears a return to competitive action.
Didier Deschamps left the 31-year-old out of his France squad for fixtures against Austria and Denmark in international break, allowing time for him to work on getting fit for a heavily congested October which could define the early stages of Potter's reign and his side's season.
Despite being considered a key player at Stamford Bridge, Kante is out of contract at the end of the season and will be able to negotiate a free transfer in January. It is believed fitness issues have not reduced a long list of potential suitors.
What Tuchel has said: "No they're not. They're absolutely fine in terms of coming through their rehab stages. NG has just been on the grass with the team but not full training."
Expected return date: N/A
Edouard Mendy
Potter opted for Kepa Arrizabalaga over Edouard Mendy after the Senegal international was sidelined in the final match of Thomas Tuchel's tenure due to injury. He found himself on the bench against Zagreb due to a combination of a knee injury and the chance to give the Spaniard game-time, with Mendy also in his worst run of form at Chelsea since joining in 2020.
Though, it should be pointed out that Mendy may also not be Potter's first choice shot-stopper, with Kepa's ball-playing ability possibly being a key factor in the fight for the No.1 spot. Should the Senegal star feature against Milan midweek, it will be his 100th appearance in Blue, during which he has kept 49 clean sheets.
What has been said: "Eddie is a bit further on but hasn't had enough to be involved at the weekend really. Maybe next week for him."
Expected return date: AC Milan (H), Wednesday, October 5
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