Graham Potter drops selection hint for Chelsea ahead of Brighton return as injuries bite at Stamford Bridge

Potter has enjoyed a fine start to his career at Stamford Bridge, having left Brighton at the start of September. Chelsea remain unbeaten in nine games under Potter and yesterday sealed progress to the knockout stages of the Champions League thanks to a 2-1 win at Red Bull Salzburg.

It’s even more impressive as the head coach has been without the services of France midfielder N'Golo Kante, French defender Wesley Fofana, England defender Reece James and Senegal defender Kalidou Koulibaly because of injury.

Midfielder Mateo Kovacic, who scored a stunning goal in Salzburg last night, is now also a doubt for the Brighton match as he injured his calf and was forced to leave the pitch early in Austria.

Potter, who spent three mostly successful seasons at Brighton before his move to the Blues, said: "We've had a lot of games and a little bit of disruption in terms of some key players missing, but credit to the boys they've responded really well.

“It's amazing and fantastic to be involved in the Champions League. It's a real test against some fantastic teams and a great experience coming to these venues and experiencing an away match in the Champions League. It's tough and challenging, but I've really enjoyed it."

Ahead of Saturday’s showdown at the Amex Stadium, Potter admitted he will have to rotate his squad.

"We want to win every game we play, that is the mentality we have to have. We have a game at the weekend and another game the weekend after, so maybe we can rotate a little bit. But we will try our best."

Of Kovacic, Potter added: “He is feeling his calf a little bit, it is a heavy pitch. He was feeling a little bit of tightness, hopefully it’s not too bad. It is just how it is at this point of the season.”