Chelsea are set to see the return of Mason Mount, N’Golo Kante and Reece James when they face Aston Villa in the Premier League this weekend.
The Blues’ injury list is as long as their starting line up with players like Thiago Silva, Wesley Fofana and Raheem Sterling ruled out. However, not everything is doom and gloom, especially with Kante.
The Frenchman has been out for almost this whole season due to a hamstring injury that required surgery but he’s been training for a few weeks so he should get some game time on Saturday. Reece James pulled out of the England squad because of an injury but the right-back has also made a full recovery and will make a comeback.
“Reece has had the last two training sessions with us so providing there is no reaction he should be available,” Potter said at a press conference on Friday.
“N’Golo has had some time on the pitch, some game time, so that’s good for him.
“We have to manage that because he’s been out for so long but I’m pretty sure he will be out on the pitch at some point.”
James’ muscle injury is not serious so he will hold onto his place in the first XI, more so because Azpilicueta will be unavailable. N’Golo Kante though is not expected to get a starting role and at best, he will come on as a substitute.
Kante has played only 174 minutes of league football this season so he won’t be rushed into the side.
Mason Mount was another player who did not feature for the Three Lions during the recent international break but he too will be available for selection.
“Mount has trained and is available, probably not for the start,” he said.
“It’s been tough for him because he’s had niggly injuries and noise off the pitch. He’s a top professional, how he’s acted with me and around us has been top.
“Sometimes if things in your career aren’t optimal, you’ve got to act well and he has.”
Mason Mount has been having a really tough season as he’s scored just three Premier League goals so far so his return will not be of much help to Graham Potter. Mudryk and Joao Felix have moved above Mount in the pecking order which means the England international will have to be content with a place on the bench when Chelsea welcome Aston Villa.
