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Football London
Football London
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Bobby Vincent

Graham Potter gives Chelsea injury news update on Mateo Kovacic, Kepa and Kalidou Koulibaly

Graham Potter has revealed Kepa Arrizabalaga will miss Chelsea's Champions League match with Dinamo Zagreb on Wednesday, but Mateo Kovacic could feature.

The Blues take on the Croatian side on Wednesday evening in what is their final Champions League group game. Chelsea beating FC Salzburg 2-1 last week, followed by AC Milan's convincing victory over Zagreb, ensured Potter's side will qualify as Group E winners.

"Kepa won't be available," Potter told reporters. "We're looking at days, not for the game tomorrow.

READ MORE: Behind the scenes in Chelsea training for Dinamo Zagreb clash as four youngsters join amid injury issue

"Kovacic [is] just precautionary with his half. Got a chance, will make a decision later on."

Potter was also asked about Kalidou Koulibaly, who has missed the last few games through injury, and whether he was fit. Some good news on the Senegal international.

"He [Koulibaly] will [be available] providing there is no reaction, he's available," Potter continued.

Neither Kepa or Kovacic took part in Chelsea's open training session at Cobham on Tuesday morning. Kovacic's absence sparked fear into Blues supporters with a crucial Premier League showdown with leaders Arsenal at the weekend but his absence was just a precaution.

With Chelsea already through to the knockout stages of the Champions League, we could see some fringe players being handed rare opportunities on Wednesday. One of them could be Denis Zakaria and Potter was asked about the Switzerland international, who is yet to play a single minute since completing his season-long loan move to the Blues over the summer.

"He's been really good, trained well, supported his team-mates," Potter said on Zakaria. "Disappointed not play, like everybody is.

"Up until the weekend, results have been positive. He's in the frame, in the squad, available. We will wait and see."

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