Azpilicueta, Silva, James, Kante, Mount: Potter suffers huge Chelsea injury blows for Leeds United clash

Graham Potter will be without three key players for Chelsea’s Premier League clash against Leeds United on Saturday afternoon.

Chelsea are hoping to claim their first win in seven games after a run of three draws and three defeats, seeing the Blues suffer losses in their previous three matches in all competitions.

The pressure is mounting on Potter, whose job could reportedly be under threat should they fail to beat Leeds United and Borussia Dortmund in their next two matches.

“The results haven’t been good enough. We know that, we accept that, there’s no hiding from that,” said Potter ahead of facing Leeds in the capital at Stamford Bridge.

He added: “When you’re in a tough moment, you have to stick together and work hard. We will give it our best and we’ll try to win.”

But Chelsea will be without several key players for Leeds’ visit to west London.

Edouard Mendy has been claimed to be hoping for a return to full training in the next two weeks after being sidelined since January with a fractured finger sustained in training at Cobham. Potter confirmed he is making progress.

Thiago Silva has been ruled out until April after suffering a knee injury during the 2-0 defeat to Spurs last weekend. Meanwhile, Mateo Kovacic looks set to return to selection following illness which ruled him out of the London derby.

“Thiago will be around that time (six weeks), not sure exactly,” confirmed the head coach.

However, Chelsea will be without Reece James and Mason Mount due to hamstring and abdomen problems.

Potter revealed: “Mason has had a problem with a lower abdomen area, but too soon tomorrow.

“Reece has a tightness in his hamstring. We are assessing him, but he’s doubtful for tomorrow.”

N’Golo Kante is still working his way back and joined in for his first full training session on Friday, but he and Cesar Azpilicueta continue to be sidelined.

Potter added: “N’Golo had his first full session today, still needs time. Azpi has made progress, but still not through protocols of a head injury like that.”