CHELSEA have been dealt fresh injury blows with Reece James and Mason Mount both set to miss the huge clash against Leeds.
The Blues are in woeful form, having won just one of their last 11 matches.
Saturday’s game versus Javi Gracia’s side, followed by the Champions League decider with Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday, could decide the future of under pressure manager Graham Potter.
And he may have to find a way to win without key players like James, who is a doubt, and Mount.
Potter said: “Mason has had a problem with his lower abdomen area, pubic bone, so he will miss the game tomorrow, I don’t think it will be too long, but too soon for tomorrow.
“Reece has a little tightness in his hamstring. We are just assessing him but he’s doubtful for tomorrow as well.”
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This is not the first time James has picked up an injury this season after getting hurt just before the World Cup, which prevented him being part of the England squad.
And the right-back worsened a knee problem in his first game back from the initial injury.
It led to James’ personal trainer taking to social media to write an angry and cryptic post.
Adding to Potter’s woes is that he can’t count on Cesar Azpilicueta, who is yet to pass all the necessary checks after suffering from concussion in a shock 1-0 loss to Southampton.
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Meanwhile, star centre-back Thiago Silva is expected to be unavailable for six weeks after picking up a knee issue in the 2-0 defeat to Tottenham last Sunday.
There was a small positive in terms of injury news for Chelsea as N’Golo Kante has returned to training.
The Frenchman has played just twice this season and not since August because of a hamstring problem.
Potter said: “N’Golo had his first full training session today but obviously still needs time.”
Suffering similarly to Chelsea are Leeds, who are also without key players like Stuart Dallas, Rodrigo and Adam Forshaw.
Pascal Struijk, Liam Cooper, Max Wober and Luis Sinisterra are all doubts too.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
