Graham Potter says a “heavy cold” was behind Mykhailo Mudryk’s substitution at half-time during Chelsea’s draw with west London rivals Fulham on Friday.
The £88.5m signing, who proved so impressive during a brief cameo away at Anfield last month, was replaced by fellow January arrival Noni Madueke at half-time.
Mudryk endured a difficult 45 minutes against Fulham and had the fewest touches of any outfield player (19) - all of which proved ineffective - before coming off.
Despite the vast array of expensive attacking options in the squad, the Blues could not find a way past a well-organised Fulham, who have now taken 4 points off their neighbours this season.
The result keeps Chelsea ninth in the Premier League, two points behind Fulham, while wins for both Liverpool and Aston Villa on Saturday could see Potter’s side drop out of the top half altogether.
Of Mudryk’s fitness, Potter said: “He’s had a heavy cold this week and he was feeling heavy-legged.”
