Graham Potter gives injury update on Chelsea duo ahead of Brighton clash

Kovacic started and scored the opener in the Blues’ Champions League victory at RB Salzburg last Tuesday but was later subbed off with a calf problem.

Thankfully for Chelsea supporters, Potter has revealed that the midfielder should be available for the clash at the Amex, with his injury more fatigue related than anything else.

But it is not good news for centre-back Koulibaly who has been out of action for the last two fixtures with a recurring knee problem and will also absent for the Brighton game.

Asked about any new injury issues in his pre-match press conference on Friday, Potter said: ‘Pretty much the same as we were against Salzburg.

‘Mateo hasn’t really got a problem with his calf, more fatigue.

‘For Koulibaly this game has come too soon. He’s an outside chance for Wednesday [against Dinamo Zagreb] but not for tomorrow.’

Defenders Reece James and Wesley Fofana as well as midfielder N’Golo Kante remain long-term absentees.

Chelsea are still unbeaten under Potter, a run he’ll hope to extend to 10 games when he returns to Brighton for the first time since leaving for Stamford Bridge in September.

‘The decision to work here [Chelsea] was too good to turn down,’ Potter added when asked about what reaction he expects from the Brighton fans.

‘I don’t have expectations of the crowd, most people I’ve spoken to from Brighton have been supportive but I’m not naive, that’s not universal.’

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