Chelsea's injury crisis has deepened with the news that Raheem Sterling suffered a pulled hamstring against Manchester City.
Sterling had a scan yesterday after he was forced off in the opening minutes against his former club and joined Chelsea’s list of injured stars.
The total stood at 10 by the end against City with Christian Pulisic also coming off with a knee injury following a crunching challenge by John Stones, while Mason Mount missed the defeat after picking up an injury in training.
The loss made it one Premier League win in eight for Chelsea, who sit 10th and trail fourth-placed Manchester United by 10 points.
Despite Chelsea’s miserable form, manager Graham Potter retains the backing of the club’s owners, who view him as a long-term appointment and accept that the injury problems have hindered his plans for the team since taking charge.
N’Golo Kante, 31, has been one of the big misses — out since August with a hamstring injury — but Chelsea are optimistic he will end doubts about his future by signing a new contract.
Kante’s deal expires this summer and, during his reign, former manager Thomas Tuchel admitted the Frenchman’s injury problems would have to be a factor.
But talks have continued and are progressing towards Kante signing an extension.
