Chelsea injury round-up as Potter sweats on three for Crystal Palace

Chelsea take on Crystal Palace this weekend with the Blues looking to arrest a poor start to the campaign which has seen them claim just 10 points from six games. It will be Graham Potter first game in charge in the Premier League since replacing the sacked Thomas Tuchel earlier this month after the club’s last two domestic games were postponed as a result of the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

That said, Potter still has concerns over three of his stars with N’Golo Kante and Edouard Mendy missing from their last run-out in the 1-1 Champions League draw with RB Salzburg. Additionally, Christian Pulisic has also been suffering with a knock while on international duty for the United States. 

Here Express Sport rounds up the current situation regarding the three players as the new gaffer looks to prepare his side for the Crystal Palace fixture. 

N’Golo Kante

The Frenchman has not featured since the second week of the season after suffering a hamstring injury in the 2-2 draw with Tottenham. He has been a big miss in midfield, with Jorginho and Mateo Kovacic unable to match the energy that he provides.

JUST IN: Arsenal can finally end two-year chase with bargain January transfer

The news regarding his availability has taken a positive turn in recent days as he has now returned to completing training drills at Cobham. It remains to be seen whether he will regain enough fitness to participate at Selhurst Park this weekend but his return to full match action will not be far away. 

Edouard Mendy 

Mendy has missed Chelsea’s recent matches with a knee injury with Kepa Arrizabalaga taking his place between the sticks. However, he has been pictured taking part in full training again and is expected to be fit this weekend. 

His return to fitness gives Potter something of a selection headache over who to choose in goal, with the Senegal star off form before his injury. The Englishman is also known to prefer a ball-playing goalkeeper something which may put Kepa in the driving seat. 

DON’T MISS

Christian Pulisic 

There had been fears for Pulisic after the winger was forced to pull out of the USA’s friendly with Japan last Friday with a knock suffered in training. However, there should be no problems with his availability on Saturday after he returned to the line up on Tuesday for America’s friendly with Saudi Arabia. 

Want the latest Premier League news as we publish it on Express Sport? Join our brand new Facebook group by clicking here