“Hakim is ill”- Graham Potter gives fitness updates on two Chelsea stars for AC Milan tie

Chelsea manager Graham Potter offers update on the absence of Hakim Ziyech and N’Golo Kante from training

Speaking in the press conference ahead of the game against AC Milan (h/t Football.London), Chelsea manager Graham Potter offered an update on the absence of Hakim Ziyech and N’Golo Kante from open training before travelling to San Siro.

Potter confirmed that Ziyech’s illness meant he was not able to train. The winger has a sore throat. On the other hand, Kante, who has almost missed two months of action due to a muscle injury and returned to training last week, has not responded to training well and is not close to returning to action.

While Ziyech is yet to start a game under either Potter or previously under Thomas Tuchel, Kante remains an important absentee from the squad. Chelsea’s performances have improved in the last few games though, with players of every department contributing to the cause. Regardless of that, the Frenchman is one of the irreplaceable players in the squad.

Here’s what Potter said regarding the two absentees (h/t Football.London):

“Hakim is ill and N’Golo we’re just waiting on, he had a reaction in training. So we’re just waiting for the news of that. Hakim’s got a sore throat so that’s why he didn’t travel.

“Well it’s not ideal and it is disappointing for him [Kante] and us. So we have to wait and see the extent of it and go from there.”

After beating Milan 3-0 in the previous group game at Stamford Bridge, the Blues will be expecting a tougher test against the Italian champions at San Siro. This game is important for both teams, where the winner could run away from their opponent in the quest for Champions League knock-out qualification.

Milan, seven-time Champions of Europe and the defending Serie A champions, are not a team to take lightly. We may have slammed them in the reverse fixture but a side of their quality would be itching for revenge.

Potter made seven changes to the side that faced Stefano Piolo’s men for the game against Wolves. He rested the likes of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Raheem Sterling, Reece James and Thiago Silva. The quartet should be back in the starting lineup on Tuesday.

More Chelsea News:

• Chelsea eyeing transfers for Villarreal’s Yeremy Pino and AS Roman’s Lorenzo Pellegrini
• Jason Cundy reveals his worry about Chelsea centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly
• Joe Cole claims scouts will question the attitude of Rafael Leao in the Chelsea game

Chelsea are currently on a run of three consecutive wins in all competitions. With games thick and fast, there is no time to rest on the laurels and always think about winning the next one. Potter’s men have done very well so far. Long may it continue.