The future of Mateo Kovacic at Chelsea looks uncertain with no contract talks.
Speaking in the press conference after Chelsea’s 1-1 draw against Manchester United as quoted by Football.London, Graham Potter has revealed that Mateo Kovacic has been carrying a knee problem throughout the season and is not fit to start every match.
One of Chelsea’s best midfielders when fit, this is not news that the Blues fans will like. Kovacic at his best is absolutely unstoppable and Potter has claimed that the club are keen on managing the Croatian’s minutes but have been forced to play him more than needed due to circumstances.
Kovacic has featured rather heavily under Potter with an injury to Conor Gallagher not helping the English manager’s cause. Whilst he has looked solid in the minutes that he has played this season, the talented midfielder will be careful about his injury.
The 28-year-old has 12 games for Chelsea across all competitions failing to score yet but providing an assist. Kovacic has never been about numbers and he is an expert at controlling the tempo of a game and making bursting runs forward with the ball at his feet.
Potter may not have many other options to count upon in midfield. Although the likes of Mason Mount can play in central midfield, he is better off playing forward and it remains to be seen who the English manager calls upon if Kovacic is not fit.
Speaking about the talented Croatian, Potter’s update did not offer much confidence but it looks like Kovacic will play through the pain.
“He’s been nursing his knee all season pretty much and you look at the schedule, it’s impossible for him to start all the games. We’ve planned for him to have less time but things have conspired against us.”
With Croatia set to take part in the World Cup in less than a month’s time, Kovacic will want to continue staying fit for the showpiece event in Qatar. The 2018 finalists will be hoping that the Chelsea midfielder is available for the club come the event.
Chelsea find themselves fifth in the table in the Premier League with Newcastle United leapfrogging them following their win against Tottenham and the Blues will want to continue pushing and regaining their spot in the top four as soon as possible.
It remains to be seen how Potter handles the Kovacic situation. It is not a favourable situation to be in but it is what it is and the Blues will have to live with it.
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