Graham Potter needs a reliable goal-getter. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)
Speaking in the press conference (h/t Football.London), Chelsea boss Graham Potter offered injury updates on Reece James and Kepa Arrizabalaga while claiming Jorginho is a doubt to face Manchester City on Wednesday.
The Blues travel to the Etihad Stadium to play Pep Guardiola’s men in the third round of the Carabao Cup. Jorginho has a problem with his foot, which could rule him out of this game.
On the other hand, Potter shared that while James is out jogging, there is nothing to report in terms of his progress from the injury recovery. Kepa’s injury does not look too positive. He could be a doubt for the World Cup.
Here’s what the Chelsea boss said regarding the injury situation of the three players (h/t Football.London):
“No miracles. Progressing… progressing well. Reece was outside today having a jog, but nothing to report in terms of anything else. Jorginho has a slight problem with his foot and is doubtful for tomorrow. Apart from that, the same group we had.
“He’s [Kepa] got to take it day by day. It’s a tear in his plantar fascia, so depending on how he responds, responds to pain and how comfortable he feels. At the moment not so positive. We’ll see [if Kepa is available for the World Cup].”
Amidst an intense schedule that has seen Chelsea play every three or four days from the start of October till Sunday, we may not be surprised if the manager makes wholesale changes and offer young and fringe players a chance to shine.
Hence, it might not make sense to make Jorginho travel to Manchester, even if he gets fit to play this game. Chelsea have an important league game against Newcastle United coming up at the weekend. They would rather save players like the Italian international for that than risk him on Wednesday.
With two defeats in the last three games in all competitions, both the defeats coming in the league, this is an opportunity for the Blues to get back to some domestic form ahead of the crucial game at the Tyneside.
With the whole season being as cramped as this is due to the World Cup starting in less than two weeks’ time, cup competitions for teams tackling European competitions may take a back seat. So, we might see not just Chelsea but City also fielding a second-string side for this tie.
Either way, it will eliminate one big favourite for the cup. If the Blues progress, they can really start to fancy their chances of winning this competition and go one step further than we did last season.
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