Graham Potter has named Raheem Sterling as an injury doubt to face West Ham on the weekend.
The Blues could be without Sterling at the London Stadium despite the winger only recently making his return, in the 0-0 draw with Fulham last week.
The England international took a kick in training and could join N’Golo Kante, Mateo Kovacic, Wesley Fofana, Denis Zakaria, Armando Broja, Edouard Mendy and Christian Pulisic on the sidelines.
Speaking ahead of the London derby, Potter explained that Sterling will need a late fitness test: “We’ve had a little setback with Raheem, he had a little kick in training on the side of his knee, so we’re assessing him and he is doubtful for tomorrow.
“Wesley [Fofana] has been training with the team, Denis Zakaria has been training with the team.
“Mateo [Kovacic] has trained with the team but it’s too soon for him. But we’ve got some options.”
Potter also spoke on revived plans for a Super League, after Chelsea were one of six Premier League teams to join and then pull out of a European Super League in 2021.
A new expanded version of the controversial breakaway competition was presented this week through A22 chairman CEO Bernd Reichart. Bodies including UEFA and LaLiga have again condemned the 60 to 80-team proposal, which is designed to replace the Champions League.
Potter spoke out against the Super League when his then-Brighton side faced Chelsea on the day they pulled out of the competition.
Although now in charge of a ‘big six’ club, he remains against the idea, saying: “My position hasn’t changed. It’s the Premier League, Champions League, wherever you are you get there on sporting merit. That’s my position still.”
