James, Mount, Sterling: Potter handed double injury blow for Everton clash as Kante delivers huge boost

Graham Potter has been handed a double fitness blow for Chelsea’s Premier League clash against Everton.

Chelsea are looking to win a fourth game in a row in all competitions this weekend when they host Sean Dyche’s relegation-threatened side at Stamford Bridge.

Wins against Leeds United, Borussia Dortmund and Leicester City have changed the mood around the club, lifting the morale and confidence after a dismal run of just three wins in 17 matches.

They now play Everton in their final game of the month, looking to have a perfect March, before the squad part for the international break.

Chelsea vs Everton: Live stream, TV channel, kick-off time, team news and prediction

Thiago Silva (knee), Cesar Azpilicueta (head) and Armando Broja (ACL) remain out. Edouard Mendy returned to training this week but isn’t ready to return.

Reece James (illness) and Mason Mount (lower abdomen) returned to training this week as well, however Mount remains out. He will also miss the England camp despite being called up.

“Mason has been struggling with his pubic bone, he wasn’t 100 percent last game. He will miss the England camp as well.”

N’Golo Kante has been stepping up his recovery and Potter hoped he would be available to face Everton after being out since August. On Friday, he confirmed: “He has a chance of being in the squad.”

Raheem Sterling was not selected for England duty by Gareth Southgate to face Italy and Ukraine due to claims of the 28-year-old not being fit enough.

“Raheem is not fit, so that’s that,” Southgate said on Sterling’s exclusion. “Yes, absolutely (I would have selected him if he was fit).”

Potter confirmed the news, adding: “Raheem has a problem with his hamstring. It’s not too serious but he’ll miss the game at the weekend and the international trip.”