Graham Potter has ruled Kalidou Koulibaly out of Saturday afternoon's trip to Brighton & Hove Albion.
The Senegal international missed Chelsea's draw with Manchester United last weekend and was also absent for Tuesday's trip to FC Salzburg. Blues supporters were hoping Koulibaly would return for Brighton on Saturday but that will not be the case. Mateo Kovacic should be fine, though.
"Pretty much the same as we were against Salzburg," Potter said on Friday afternoon. "Mateo Kovacic had a problem with his calf but it was just fatigue. Koulibaly, it comes too soon. He's got an outside chance for Wednesday, but not for tomorrow."
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Potter is set to go head-to-head with Brighton for the first time since leaving the club last month to become Chelsea head coach. After three years at the Amex Stadium, Potter knows the current Seagulls squad better than anyone.
"Timing wasn't great for anybody, but sometimes that happens," Potter said when asked about leaving Brighton. "Then it's a decision, and a decision to work here was too hard to turn down.
"They've been unlucky, performances have been good. They haven't had too much luck from what I've seen. I know the qualities of the team."
Potter was then asked if it helps knowing the current crop of Brighton players. The Chelsea head coach said it does help a little bit but also pointed out the differences under new manager Roberto De Zerbi.
"It helps a little bit," Potter admitted. "Roberto has been there a few weeks now, you can see the differences. Whilst I know the players well, it's a new manager and new ideas."
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