Graham Potter reveals Mateo Kovacic was subbed off against RB Salzburg due to an injury issue
Speaking to the media after the game (h/t Football.London), Chelsea boss Graham Potter revealed that Mateo Kovacic was subbed off against RB Leipzig due to an injury issue.
Kovacic started the game and scored a spectacular opening goal in a group-clinching 2-1 win away at Salzburg in the Champions League.
He was taken off in the 68th minute for Ruben Loftus-Cheek in what looked like a routine substitution to save the Croatian for the weekend’s game.
But, talking about the 28-year-old’s issue, here’s Potter (h/t Football.London):
“Feeling his calf, it was a heavy pitch, a bit of tightness and hopefully it’s not too bad.”
Kovacic has had injury struggles throughout this season. In August, he was ruled out for the first few games due to a knee injury. A few days ago, Potter revealed that the midfielder was earlier than expected after his recovery from that knee problem.
It seems as if the calf issue picked up against Salzburg is not very serious. But, given his recent history, it might be a risk starting him against Brighton and Hove Albion at the weekend.
With N’Golo Kante already out for a long duration of time, Chelsea have had availability issues in midfield. The positive is that the likes of Loftus-Cheek and Conor Gallagher have stepped up and done a good job.
As of now, Potter has three senior central midfielders and Denis Zakaria available for selection for the next game. The manager would be delighted to seal the top spot in the Champions League group, which would allow him to rest some key players for next week’s clash against Dinamo Zagreb.
More Chelsea News:
- Transfer News: Chelsea face competition from London rivals to sign Liverpool midfielder Naby Keita
- Chelsea manager Graham Potter believes Kai Havertz can get his mojo back following Champions League heroics
- Wilfried Zaha could be available for transfer in January amid Chelsea interest
The focus should be on Brighton now, with a return to the Amex Stadium on the cards for the former Seagulls manager. After draws in their previous two league games, the Blues would be hoping to return to winning ways on Saturday.