Graham Potter was sacked by Chelsea earlier this month after a run of poor results. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)
Chelsea boss Graham Potter has expressed his surprise at the inclusion of Mason Mount in the England squad for the upcoming games this month.
Mount has missed the last three games due to an abdomen issue. Potter confirmed in the press conference that he has not recovered yet and will miss the Everton game because of that as well.
The Blues boss also added that the 24-year-old won’t be going to the England camp to face Italy and Ukraine later this month. Keeping that in mind, it is weird that Gareth Southgate decided to pick him in the squad.
Here’s what Potter said when asked if he was surprised by Southgate’s decision (h/t Daily Mail):
“Yeah [I was surprised to see him named]. Probably, as a club we will [seek clarity about why he was].
“He needed a bit of time for his injury to settle down, which pretty much ruled him out of the England thing.
“Whether that means they needed a bit of time to double-check that, I don’t know. But I don’t think there’s anything untoward at all.”
Generally, national team managers have close contact with club managers to have detailed information about the players. Whether there was a lack of communication that led to this confusion, we won’t know about that.
But, it was good for Potter to clear that Mount is not fit to go with the England squad. It gives out a succinct message that Southgate was wrong in picking the 24-year-old in the first place.
We have done well without the star player in the last three games though, winning all of them. Not saying that he was the problem when the team was going through a rough patch, but his form wasn’t good.
Despite all the momentum created, the game against Everton won’t be easy. Sean Dyche’s men are fighting for every point in the league for their survival. Although the Toffees will miss the presence of Dominic Calvert-Lewin up front, they have other threats going forward, while the set-piece threat is always there.
Hence, Chelsea cannot take things for granted and play their best game to beat the team from Merseyside.
Chelsea face West Ham away from home in the Premier League Chelsea and West Ham go head-to-head on matchday five…
Reece James and his injury problems are becoming a matter of grave concern with every passing week for Chelsea. The…
The wait to see the Blues back in action after the first International break came to an end when Enzo…
Chelsea narrowly beat Bournemouth in their recent Premier League game, with Christopher Nkunku providing them a late respite. As they…
Christopher Nkunku was Chelsea's saviour last weekend in what was a nail-biting affair against Bournemouth in the Premier League. The…
Chelsea have started their preparations for their weekend bow against West Ham United at their infamous Cobham on Monday; however,…