Chelsea boss Graham Potter insists that ‘no decision has been made’ over Juventus loanee Denis Zakaria who is ‘training well’ and ‘is an important part of the team.’
The Swiss international joined Juventus on a permanent transfer from Borussia Monchengladbach in January, but he only spent six months in Turin, moving to Chelsea on an initial loan deal during the summer transfer window.
Brought in by former Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel, Zakaria has yet to make his debut in London, so there have been rumours that the 25-year-old could return to Turin in the January transfer window.
“There is no decision been made at all on that. Denis is in the group and has been training well,” Potter said at a press conference today, as quoted by Football London.
Potter was appointed last month after the Premier League giants surprisingly decided to sack Tuchel after a 1-0 loss in the Champions League against Dinamo Zagreb.
“Zakaria is ready to help the team but there is competition for places in that area,” continued Potter.
“He is an important member of the team and is patent and trying to help the team from the side at the moment. He is waiting for his chance.”
The ex-Borussia Monchengladbach star scored a goal in his Juventus debut in February, but that was also his last strike in 11 appearances with the Serie A giants.
Chelsea have paid €3m plus €1m add-ons for the midfielder’s loan until 2023 and have an option to buy for €28m plus €5m bonus.