Chelsea confirmed squad to face Aston Villa as Potter is pushing some fans to the wall as he leave some influential player behind even if some important players are included

 

Graham Potter has said that N'Golo Kante will likely take to the Stamford Bridge pitch for the first time in charge of the Blues as the Frenchman continues his return to fitness. Kante has not featured for Chelsea since the draw with Tottenham in August and last week featured in a friendly to aid his fitness during the international break.

The 32-year-old midfielder made the bench for Chelsea's last match against Everton but still seems unlikely to start as the Blues carefully manage his progress.

Potter said: "We have to manage that as the next stage for us because he's been out for so long. The minutes and building those minutes in the Premier League. He's been training well and he's had some behind closed doors time and he's available in the squad and I'm pretty sure he will be on the pitch at some point tomorrow."

The 47-year-old is still without a number of options as the Blues boss confirmed in his press conference that he would be without Thiago Silva, Wesley Fofana and Cesar Azpilicueta. If Potter hopes to maintain his back three that will likely see Trevoh Chalobah, Kalidou Koulibaly and Benoit Badiashile take to the field, unless Marc Cucurella comes into the fray.

Providing he has no reaction to training, Reece James will be available to start with Potter appearing unconcerned over his condition, while Ben Chilwell's form will likely ensure that he retains his place on the left flank. The promise in the partnership of Enzo Fernandez and Mateo Kovacic should seem them start in the centre of the park with Kante being able to provide some support later in the game.

In the forward positions, Mason Mount will not be risked from the start of the match while Christian Pulisic returned from international duty with a cold putting his place in doubt. Raheem Sterling may be ready to return against Liverpool on Tuesday but is unavailable for selection despite appearing in training at Cobham this week.

That will likely see Kai Havertz and Joao Felix once again start as part of a front three with the German forward having overcome the fever that caused him to withdraw from Germany's squad. Mykhailo Mudryk may be the favourite to finish off the XI, though he will face competition from Hakim Ziyech and Noni Madueke.

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Chelsea confirmed squad to face Aston Villa as Potter is pushing some fans to the wall as he leave some influential player behind even if some important players are included