Injury blow for Chelsea as 26-year-old set to miss four weeks of action

Graham Potter has provided an update on Denis Zakaria’s fitness following Chelsea’s 1-0 win against Crystal Palace. The Blues moved level on points with Liverpool as Kai Havertz grabbed the winning goal against the Eagles at Stamford Bridge.

A number of key players are currently sidelined through injury for Chelsea, with the likes of Raheem Sterling, Christian Pulisic, Reece James, Ben Chilwell and Wesley Fofana all recovering in the treatment room. Denis Zakaria became the latest absentee after suffering a quadricep injury in the 2-1 defeat against Fulham.

New signings Benoit Badiashile, David Datro Fofana, Andrey Santos and Joao Felix have softened the blow on Potter’s squad slightly. Felix was sent off on his debut and will not return until the clash against West Ham next month, whilst Mykhailo Mudryk was unveiled as the Blues’ fifth January signing this afternoon.

Potter provided a fresh update on Zakaria’s recent injury blow following the win against Palace on Sunday. Speaking after the match, the Chelsea boss said: “Denis is going to be probably four weeks.

“It’s the top of his quad and that is a blow for us. Hopefully, he can return sooner.”

The Blues are keen on signing a new central midfielder this month given N’Golo Kante and Jorginho are currently set to be out of contract at the end of the season. A deal for Benfica star Enzo Fernandez has stalled after the two clubs failed to come to an agreement in terms of payment structure.

Zakaria is unlikely to return to action until mid-February and is set to miss the clash against Liverpool, return fixture against Fulham and London Derby against West Ham. The Swiss midfielder will be targeting a return to the squad for the UEFA Champions League round of 16 first leg against Borussia Dortmund.