Potter confirms 5 players will miss Aston Villa clash amid Reece James update

Chelsea news: The Blues are still far from full strength as they look to prepare for the visit of Aston Villa, with Graham Potter giving an injury news update

Graham Potter has confirmed the latest Chelsea injury news ahead of the club's home fixture against Aston Villa. Some of his players were afforded a valuable two weeks off over the international break whilst others were out playing for their countries.

With Wesley Fofana, Reece James, Kai Havertz, Mason Mount and Raheem Sterling all missing out or returning early from their respective squads, Potter is still far from at full fitness for Saturday's game.

"Thiago [Silva] and Azpi [Cesar Azpilicueta] are still away," he started. "Raheem [Sterling] is coming back but will miss the game, more chance for Tuesday.

"Mason [Mount] has trained and is available, probably not from the start. Wesley [Fofana] will miss the game, chance for Tuesday. [Christian] Pulisic has come back with a cold."

That is far from the only issues for the head coach too with Kai Havertz and Reece James both coming back to Cobham early in the second week of the break. "Kai was fever but is recovered now. Reece has had the last two training sessions with us so providing there is no reaction he should be available."

Elsewhere he also had some much needed positivity on N'Golo Kante after the Frenchman returned to the matchday squad for the first time since August for the 2-2 draw against Everton. "We have to manage that because of he's been out for so long," he replied when asked if he is ready to play from the start.

"He's had some behind closed doors time and I'm pretty sure he will be out on the pitch at some point." Kante is yet to play a single minute for Potter.