Kepa's World Cup availability in doubt as Potter offers positive Mateo Kovacic injury update

Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga may not be available for the World Cup, but Graham Potter has delivered a positive update about Mateo Kovacic.

The Blues squad has been hit by injuries this season, particularly in the recent weeks, and it has made it tricky for new head coach, Potter.

Reece James, Wesley Fofana and N’Golo Kante are a few of the names on the list and their absences have heavily affected the squad.

With the World Cup in Qatar kicking off in just under two weeks time, it is one of the worst times you could pick up an injury.

There has been a boost handed to James though, who is still reportedly in contention for the England squad which will be announced in the coming days.

A more recent addition to the injury list was Kepa, in Chelsea’s 4-1 defeat at Brighton & Hove Albion he was substituted at half-time.

The Spaniard had been in fine form since the arrival of Potter at Stamford Bridge and was even nominated for the October Premier League Player of the Month.

At one point during the month Kepa went on a streak of five consecutive clean sheets, but it came to an end when Manchester United held the west London side to a 1-1 draw.

Edouard Mendy has stepped up to replace Kepa during this stint, taking on both Dinamo Zagreb and Arsenal, but he has not kept a clean sheet.

Graham Potter and Edouard Mendy after the loss against Arsenal. (Alamy)

Previously, Potter touched upon whether the 28-year-old goalkeeper would return to the squad before the World Cup.

He said: “Kepa, no. It’s his plantar fascia (foot), so I don’t think he will play before the World Cup.”

In addition to this though, there are doubts as to whether Kepa will even be available for the World Cup at all.

Chelsea take on Manchester City in the Carabao Cup in midweek and the English head coach spoke about his goalkeeper’s fitness.

He detailed: “Still unavailable. We’ll see (if he is available for the World Cup). He’s got to take it day by day. It’s a tear in his plantar fascia. It’s how he responds to pain, how comfortable he feels. At the moment, not so positive.”

Kepa Arrizabalaga during the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Chelsea. (Alamy)

For Kepa it would be a huge disappointment should he not get the opportunity to go after his recent impressive displays.

One positive for the Blues however is that Kovacic is close to full fitness after an ongoing knee problem.

Potter confirmed: “He’ll be fine for the World Cup. I wouldn’t say he’s 100 per cent but he’s not far off. We’ve managed it well.”

In the two fixtures that Chelsea have left - Man City and Newcastle United - Kovacic will be keen to get some more minutes under his belt before joining up with the Croatia team for the World Cup in Qatar.