Chelsea boss Graham Potter has been ‘impressed’ by Milan star Rafael Leo and reveals he has to make a decision on Italy international Jorginho who ‘ felt a little discomfort in his abdominal area.’
The Blues host Milan at Stamford Bridge tomorrow and it’s a must-win game for Potter’s men who have only collected one point in two Champions League games so far.
N’Golo Kante, Marc Cucurella and Edouard Mendy returned to group training this morning. Italy international Jorginho also trained with the team despite not being 100% fit.
“Eddie has trained with the team for the last few days so is making progress,” Potter said at a press conference, as quoted by Football London.
“Jorgi felt a little discomfort in his abdominal area against Crystal Palace but has trained today, so we’ll see how he reacts to that and we’ll take a decision later today. Kai [Havertz] had a little feeling as well but he trained today. Apart from that, we’re all ok. Kante is training more and more. Not fully but getting closer. That is really positive. That’s about it I think.
“We are looking forward to the game. It’s a massive challenge for us and an exciting challenge for us,” the Blues’ boss continued.
“It’s one we are looking forward to and we have to be really good to get the result we want.”
Chelsea made a move to sign Milan star Leao this summer, but the Rossoneri refused to sell for less than €150. What does Potter make of the Portuguese star?
“I’ve been really impressed with him whenever I’ve watched the games. He is making a difference for Milan and is contributing to how they attack and score goals. So congratulations to him for that.
“He is a top player. In terms of what happens in the future, who knows whether he can do this or not? He has the capability for sure from what I’ve seen because he is affecting the game at the highest level against top opponents.”
The 23-year-old will start for the Rossoneri tomorrow along with former Chelsea star Oliver Giroud.
“They have different ways to score and Giroud is someone Chelsea know very well,” said Potter.
“He is a fantastic player, plays the came in a really good way, uses his qualities and strengths and is an important player for Milan. I’m looking forward to playing the game. They are a top team and we have to be really good to get the result we want.”
Former Napoli star Kalidou Koulibaly has yet to make his debut under the new Chelsea coach, but Potter insists that he is impressed by the Senegal captain.
“Firstly, I’ve been really impressed with him. As a person, he is honest and understands his situation in terms of having to wait a bit to play, which every player will say they are not so happy with. Then it’s how you respond and his response has been fantastic. He has been very hard working and honest, has trained very well.
“He has come from a club and country that he was very familiar with and comfortable with and making the step into the Premier League is not so easy. Things have happened in terms of changes at the club so it’s been the perfect situation for him. But he is a top player and top persona and with that character, he will play an important role for us that is for sure.”
Koulibaly said on Monday that he has no regrets about his move to Stamford Bridge after his eight-year spell at Napoli.
Milan boss Stefano Pioli will hold a pre-match press conference in London later today, at 19.20 UK time.
The Rossoneri have been severely hit by injuries and will travel to the UK without Mike Maignan, Theo Hernandez, Davide Calabria, Simon Kjaer, Alessandro Florenzi, Alexis Saelemaekers, Junior Messias and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.