Mykhailo Mudryk is set to make just his fourth start for Chelsea since joining from Shakhtar Donetsk in January when the Blues take on Leicester City. Despite impressing on his debut against Liverpool - during a cameo appearance off the bench - and later starts against Fulham, West Ham and Borussia Dortmund, Mudryk has seen his minutes reduced over the last few weeks.
He was introduced as a second-half substitute in defeats to Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur before not featuring at all in the win at home to Leeds United and the second-leg triumph over Dortmund on Tuesday. Speaking in his pre-match press conference on Friday, manager Graham Potter insisted the Ukraine international has a positive future at Stamford Bridge.
The head coach added that he understands the adaptation period new signings must go through. "Of course, every player wants to play and it's important that players play to improve, I think that's a fact," Potter explained.
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"But at the same time, it's not a straight road, it's not just a play and everything happens in a linear way. Sometimes you have to take a step away. Sometimes you just need a bit of training time. Sometimes you need a breather. So there are a lot of factors.
"Hopefully, he can benefit from the time he's had. And again, it's not easy for him to just arrive in the middle of what was pre-season for him and to come into a new country, new club, new league, and just hit his absolute maximum level. It is regardless of the fee; I know people will look at the fee but it doesn’t change the situation he is in."
Potter has now trusted the 22-year-old to play a key role in securing a result at the King Power Stadium. He replaces the injured Raheem Sterling and joins Kai Havertz and Joao Felix in leading the line, much to many supporters’ delight.
He is here Twitter reacted to the team news:
@charliepatrick0 : “Exactly the line up I wanted let’s get that first away win since October! Hopefully Mudryk puts in a good performance.”
@shyamtalksCFC : “Praying that front 3 clicks today coz the potential is sky high there. All 3 can link-up & drop into spaces while Felix & Mudryk could be that creative combo, Havertz just needs to do what he did against Dortmund.”
@CFCHash : “WHAT A TEAM OMFGG!!!! The perfect team with what we have available!! Cucu keeps his place at LCB after Dortmund. RLC fills in for Reece, MUDRYK FINALLY STARTS!!!!! Kai and Felix remain!! Perfect lineup, 3 wins in a row come on Chelsea!!!! #LeiChe #CFC”
@JackSimmons101 : “Mudryk going to stat-pad against Leicester.”
@willreyner : “Like that. Come on Chels”
@Erisa_Kai : “Great to see MM back in the starting lineup.”
@avonlucio : “Excited but very nervous, hope Mudryk does well in a more narrow position.”
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