Mount to miss Leeds game and James is a doubt

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Mason Mount has picked up an abdominal injury and will miss Chelsea’s game against Leeds, while Reece James is a doubt.

The injury-prone James is nursing some hamstring trouble and looks unlikely to feature on Saturday.

Chelsea, 10th in the table, having won just two of their past 15 Premier League matches, have been plagued by injuries this season.


They are still without N’Golo Kante and goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, while Thiago Silva and Cesar Azpilicueta will also miss out this weekend.

Azpilicueta suffered concussion during the recent home defeat by Southampton and veteran defender Silva is expected to be out for around six weeks with a knee injury. 

Graham Potter explained: “Mason’s had a problem with his lower abdomen area, so he’ll miss the game. We’re hoping it won’t be too long, but it’s too soon for tomorrow.

“Reece has a little tightness in his hamstring and we’re just assessing him, but he’s doubtful.

“Mendy is making progress but not yet joined full training with the group. N’Golo had his first full training session today and obviously still needs time.”

Head coach Potter is under pressure after a dismal run of results and was barracked by fans after the Southampton loss.

There has been speculation that the two upcoming home games, against Leeds and next week’s Champions League clash with Borussia Dortmund, will determine whether he keeps his job.

“I don’t tend to look at it in any way like that. I just tend to focus on the next match,” Potter insisted.

“We know the situation that we’re in, which is that we need to improve the results that we’ve had. That’s my responsibility. They haven’t been good enough. That’s all I focus on.

“Results haven’t been good enough. We know that and we accept that. There’s no hiding behind it. We have to do better and it starts with me.

“There has been support (from the owners) but there’s no hiding that results have not been good enough.”