Following Chelsea’s 1-1 draw with Manchester United, Blues head coach Graham Potter gave details on Mateo Kovacic’s and Kalidou Koulibaly’s injuries.
A late penalty gave Chelsea significant hope of victory as Man United visited Stamford Bridge. Although, an even later goal for the Red Devils spoiled the party in west London. Unfortunately the Blues aren’t creating many clear cut opportunities or testing opposition goalkeepers enough. Tellingly, the first CFC shot to hit the target was Jorginho’s spot kick.
The attacking area needs work; if I am honest, a few attackers need a proverbial kick up the backside as well. Defensively and ‘keeper-wise, Chels‘ are doing OK. Those positions are at least satisfactory at present. Though that assessment would be an understatement with respect to Kepa Arrizabalaga: he is the best performing stopper in the Premier League at the moment.
Reece James’s absence has certainly led to less creativity and potency when going forward. James is without doubt the most electrifying right wingback, rightback or right centreback in the game. A sorely missed star.
Chelsea have less of a solid and flexible defence with regards to Wesley Fofana and Koulibaly being sidelined. Fofana had begun to make an impact at both ends of the pitch. Whereas I expected the Senegal international to be more involved and influential, he has struggled a bit and isn’t favoured under the Englishman in charge.
Meanwhile, many of the Blues support want to see more of Kovacic; his omission from the starting XI mostly occupies sentiments on social media. Though Potter has given us further insight on the Croatian.
Chelsea’s Graham Potter on Mateo Kovacic and Kalidou Koulibaly injuries
Following the deadlocked clash with United, Potter was interviewed about his thoughts on the game and for squad information. Firstly he was asked of the severity of the injury sustained by Koulibaly. The 47-year-old said that his defender suffered a knee issue towards the end of the Brentford fixture. Unfortunately, Saturday’s game arrived too quickly for the centreback. In addition to that, the extent of the injury is currently unknown
If you were not aware, ‘Kova’ has been “nursing” a knee problem for the entire season so far. The manager actually wanted to use the midfielder less, but matches have dictated otherwise.