“As I’ve said”- Graham Potter answers if Chelsea star could make debut vs Zagreb

Chelsea boss Graham Potter responds to whether Denis Zakaria could make his debut against Dinamo Zagreb

Speaking to the media ahead of the game (h/t Football.London), Chelsea manager Graham Potter confirms that midfielder Denis Zakaria is in contention to make his Blues debut against Dinamo Zagreb on Wednesday.

Chelsea face the Croatian side having already qualified for the next round of the Champions League as group toppers. With the schedule quite intense till the World Cup break, this might be a great game for the manager to ring some changes and rest some key players.

Zakaria, who was signed on the deadline day of the summer transfer window, has not even played a minute yet. He could do so on Wednesday as suggested by Potter.

Here’s what the boss said regarding the Swiss international’s availability and echoed his frustrations (h/t Football.London):

Exactly. As I’ve said before, he’s [Zakaria] been really good, he’s trained well, supported his teammates. Obviously disappointed not to play like everybody is but up until the weekend results have been positive, performances, we’ve been trying to take steps. He’s in the frame tomorrow, he’s in the squad, he’s available for selection so we’ll wait and see.

Chelsea star N’Golo Kante is out for many weeks, while Mateo Kovacic is touch and go for this game. With an important league game against Arsenal coming up at the weekend, Potter would be wise not to start the latter against Zagreb.

For Zakaria, if he indeed makes his debut, it would be an opportunity to showcase his qualities and play his way into the planning of the manager for the upcoming games.

We know he is a top-class player who is very good on the ball and is a dynamic presence in midfield. If the former Borussia Monchengladbach player does well on his debut, Potter could have an added option in that department, which can be a welcome relief.

More Chelsea News:

• Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe handpicks Chelsea target Leandro Trossard for January transfer move
• Tony Cascarino tells Chelsea to get a striker better than Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang next summer
• Real Madrid wanted to sign Raheem Sterling but could not due to certain rules

In spite of the fact that this is a dead rubber for Chelsea, they would want to return to winning ways after suffering a humiliating 4-1 defeat to Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday. In fact, it is one win in three going into this game. So, arresting back the momentum ahead of the big game against Arsenal would be key.