Graham Potter's Kante mission and top priority for Chelsea during the break

Graham Potter has some time off and some extended time to get his preparations underway for the remainder of the season now that the international break has arrived following Chelsea's draw against Everton

Potter added: "I’m probably going to close my eyes and sleep for a few hours – or try to! I’ll spend some time with the family and then we’ll see [what there is to do]."

The Blues have nine matches in April, so there will be plenty for the Blues boss to try and get ahead of with Premier League and Champions League commitments to come and a hefty squad to manage. football.london takes a look at what will be on Potter's to-do list over the next fortnight.

Look after N'Golo Kante

Potter has not been able to call upon N'Golo Kante at all during his time in chare of Chelsea, and while the Frenchman made the bench against Everton, it is in April that the midfielders season could truly get back underway.

He added: "We need to control it as much as we can and then I think we've got about four players [not on international duty], so it is what it is. We have to hope players come back injury free and that we use the break to refresh and prepare for a really hectic April."

While match fitness may be lacking come April, Chelsea can ensure he is in the perfect place to build to those games against Real Madrid.

Squad management

Much has been said about the complexion of Chelsea's squad following both the summer and January transfer windows. Of course, the size and make-up offers little excuse for Chelsea's form but has offered Potter a testing situation to manage.

The 47-year-old believes things are beginning to progress in the right direction. He said: "Across the last two transfer windows, you are probably looking at a 20-plus player turnaround. So in terms of just stability, togetherness, and the spirit in the group, I think that’s been a real positive over this really tough period of weeks and months.

"It’s a unique season, and before the World Cup was crazy with the intensity of the games and the number of injuries. Then the transfer window has added more noise for us, but we’ve got a young group that’s coming together and forming together well. The performance [against Everton] was positive; Dortmund was positive. But there is still lots to do.”

While obviously good news in Potter being able to get his best team out, even more players will have to miss out on Premier League matchday squads. With a minimum of 13 matches now left of the season, Potter may be able to begin to come up with a tangible plan for how he sees the squad, and decide upon the futures of some players with the summer fast approaching. Any negatives from leaving players out will soon be short lived.

Real Madrid plans

While it may have simply been a comment to get a crowd on side, Potter has acknowledged winning the competition is on his mind and with the quality of Real Madrid, the Blues cannot afford to turn up underprepared. Whether that is managing his squad to target that game or putting work in during the break to ensure sufficient scouting is completed in time for the trip to Spain, as much groundwork as possible must be laid, even without players at Cobham.

Chelsea have three matches in one week before the first leg, and time will be tight come the beginning of April. This period must be taken advantage of.