Graham Potter has confirmed the Chelsea team news to face Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League on Wednesday night.
Chelsea have already secured their spot in the last-16 after their 2-1 win against RB Salzburg last week to seal top spot in Group E.
But they have one final outing before the knockout stages as Zagreb visit Stamford Bridge still with their European hopes alive. They can still qualify for both the Champions League last-16 and Europa League last-32.
So for Graham Potter and Co, it’s a chance for many to have a rest, as well as players getting some match minutes.
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Kepa Arrizabalaga and Mateo Kovacic were absent from training at Cobham on Tuesday morning, adding to the absences of Wesley Fofana, Reece James and N’Golo Kante. Kalidou Koulibaly was involved.
Kepa picked up a foot injury against Brighton and was forced off at half-time. He will not be available to face Zagreb. Meanwhile, Kovacic was absent as a precaution and a late fitness test will be carried out to decide his involvement on Wednesday.
"Kepa won't be available. Looking at days, not for the game tomorrow (Wednesday).
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"Kovacic was just precautionary with his calf. Got a chance, will make a decision later on."
Koulibaly is set to return after missing the last three games with a knee problem. Potter added: He will providing there is no reaction, he's available."
Despite already qualifying as group winners, Potter will not play youngsters just for the sake of it. The 47-year-old insisted that he will put out a side to win the game.
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"It's not a time just to use youngsters for the sake of it," admitted Potter.
"We have to try to pick a team that can win. We've used a lot of young players, they've been impressive. I've liked their character and personality."
Denis Zakaria will be hoping to get his first Chelsea minutes on Wednesday. He is yet to play since joining on loan from Juventus in the summer. Potter confirmed he is available for selection, but has yet to make a decision.
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"He's been really good, trained well, supported his teammates. Disappointed not to play, like everybody is.
"Up until the weekend, results have been positive (which is why he hasn't played).
"He's in the frame, in the squad, available. We will wait and see."
Topics: Chelsea, Champions League, Football
Matthew Debono