“Maybe next week”- Three Chelsea players ruled out for Crystal Palace clash

Chelsea manager Graham Potter has ruled three players out for the game against Crystal Palace

Speaking in the pre-match press conference (h/t Football.London), Chelsea manager Graham Potter has ruled out the inclusion of N’Golo Kante, Marc Cucurella and Carney Chukwuemeka from the game against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.

Kante has been out for more than a month with a hamstring injury he picked up in the game against Tottenham Hotspur. The Frenchman was back in training this week, but Potter says that the player needs time and he could be involved from next week onwards.

Cucurella meanwhile is ill and won’t play on Saturday. It shouldn’t be anything long-term with him. Chukwuemeka has also been ruled out, although no specific reason was given.

Here’s what the manager said regarding the team news (h/t Football.London):

“They’re fine in terms of coming through the rehab stages and NG has been on the grass. Maybe next week for him. Bit of illness for Marc Cucurella.”

This will be the first game Potter will take charge of Chelsea in the Premier League. The only game he managed was against RB Salzburg in the Champions League despite being here for more than a fortnight (postponement of league game due to the Queen’s death before the international break).

The Blues’ league form has not been good with just 10 points from six games. However, nothing gets decided in the league so early. With games coming thick and fast in October, there is an opportunity for the team to go on a roll and collect a lot of points in a small period.

As much as back-to-back games are an opportunity, it is also a challenge for Potter to prepare his team and be vigilant enough to use his squad when necessary. He hasn’t had a lot of experience managing a team playing three games a week on a regular basis. So, this will be a test for him.

More Chelsea News:

• Chelsea striker Armando Broja wants to mould his game around Cristiano Ronaldo and Harry Kane
• Robert Huth believes appointing Graham potter could cost Chelsea a top-four finish
• Chelsea winger Christian Pulisic would accept a move to AC Milan in January

After the Palace game comes a pivotal European game against AC Milan at Stamford Bridge. With the Blues at the bottom of their Champions League group after two games, that match will be a must-win.