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Chelsea: Mason Mount will miss Leeds clash while Reece James is a doubt

  /  autty

Chelsea have more injury concerns after Graham Potter confirmed Mason Mount will miss Saturday's clash with Leeds, while Reece James is also a doubt.

The Blues are in desperate need of a positive result as they have not picked up three points since a 1-0 win over Crystal Palace on January 15 - leaving them barely holding onto a place inside the top ten.

Pressure is also mounting on Potter following their poor form, but the ex-Brighton boss has not been helped with more injury issues going into tomorrow's game at Stamford Bridge.

It was already known that star defender Thiago Silva would be out of action for up to six weeks after damaging his knee ligaments during their defeat to Tottenham.

In his pre-match press conference ahead of their clash with Leeds, Potter reported more injury news from the Chelsea camp.

He said: 'Thiago will be around six weeks (out of action). (Edouard) Mendy is making progress.

'N'Golo (Kante) had his first full training session today but he will need time.

''Mason has had a problem with his lower abdomen area so he will miss the game tomorrow. Reece also has tightness in his hamstring so he is a doubt.'

The injury to James will concern Potter, with the England right-back already missing a good chunk of the season with a knee issue.

James returned to action at the beginning of last month though was then left out of the matchday squad to be rested for their 1-0 loss at Southampton on February 18.

Mount's injury comes on the back of speculation surrounding his future, with reports that Liverpool are eyeing up a move for the player as he struggles to come together with the Blues over a new deal.

Potter was asked about Mount's contract situation during the press conference, but said that it was an issue 'between him and the club'.

Kante's return to full training though comes as a massive boost for Chelsea.

Having started their opening two games of the season, he has been out of action ever since with a hamstring injury.

Should they fail to beat Leeds tomorrow, it would open the door for Aston Villa to push them outside the top ten - should Unai Emery's side better Chelsea's result when they host Crystal Palace.