Mason Mount will not play any part in England's March internationals after suffering another injury setback. Chelsea boss Graham Potter said the midfielder will be absent for the clashes against Italy and Ukraine less than 24 hours after he was named in Gareth Southgate's squad.
Despite the England manager selecting the 24-year-old as part of his midfield roster, the Blues have decided he needs more time to recover from a pelvic injury. Mount has missed a number of games with this ongoing issue in his lower abdomen, but did return to training on Tuesday along with a number of teammates.
However, he will now use this two-week break as an opportunity to fully regain fitness rather than plying his trade for the national side. Potter added that Mount will not be available for selection for Chelsea's Premier League match against Everton on Saturday evening.
READ MORE: Graham Potter confirms major N'Golo Kante injury boost ahead of Chelsea vs Everton
This is alongside fellow England regular Raheem Sterling, who was not named in Southgate's squad from the off with a tight hamstring. “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," Potter said.
“It's the same with Mason. He'll miss the England camp as well.”
Better news does come in the form of Reece James, who is expected to return this weekend after missing last Saturday's win against Leicester City. James is among the Chelsea contingent to join up with the England camp this month, alongside Ben Chilwell and Conor Gallagher.
Chelsea will be hoping this break will work wonders for the final stretch of this season. They will be keen to have as many players fully fit and available as possible for the campaign's conclusion, most notably for the crunch Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid.
Ahead of Friday morning's Champions League draw, Potter delivered an impassioned speech to supporters. Speaking at a club event on Thursday evening, Potter, who has often been criticised for a perceived lack of personality and passion during his Stamford Bridge reign, exclaimed that him and the players will "try and win the f***ing Champions League".
READ NEXT:
Champions League draw highlights: Chelsea to learn fate, quarter-final opponents, fixture dates
Chelsea vs Real Madrid in Champions League quarter-final with semi-final revealed
Joe Cole and Paul Merson disagree with Rio Ferdinand on Chelsea Champions League draw fate
Champions League draw simulated: Chelsea get dream tie as Romelu Lukaku faces tough challenge
Chelsea news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from Stamford Bridge
