Ahead of the last round of Premier League fixtures before the start of the Qatar World Cup, it’s a trip to Newcastle for Graham Potter’s Chelsea side who are currently winless in their last four outings.
After a bright start to life at Stamford Bridge, the World Cup break may be a quite needed one for the Chelsea boss.
With full backs Reece James and Ben Chilwell left out of the England squad, which announced on Thursday, due to injury, Potter did confirm that midfielder Jorginho will be in the squad for the game on Saturday after the Italian trained in the week.
Jorginho wasn’t the only Blues midfielder to hear good news this week, however.
Road to Qatar
Cobham graduate Conor Gallagher was also included in Gareth Southgate’s England squad.
On Gallagher’s surprise inclusion, Potter said: “It’s great for Connor. He’s going to have a really positive experience, I think. I’m delighted for him. He’s worked really hard.
“It’s a fantastic honour for him. We’re really pleased. It’s a nice story. He’s been out on loan and come through the club.”
On the other hand, Potter did mention how it’s “natural” for James and Chilwell to be disappointed.
He continued: “Reece thought he’d be close and did everything he can, but he fell short. I understand Reece’s frustration and disappointment.
“We’re just going to focus on the rehab and get them back as quick as we can. They’re strong characters and they’ll be fine.”
On the bright side, Potter believes the month away will do the England duo a world of good.
He said: “If you’re going to look on a positive, it’s time to do the rehab as thoroughly as possible. Hopefully we can have them for the restart.”
Earlier this month, Chelsea had outlined their plans to travel to the Middle East as part of a warm weather training camp, however, those who won’t be competing at the tournament will have “a few” days off, which Potter sees as a positive.
“I’m a human being as well. You have to deal with all that’s going on [number of matches]. Now there’s time to reflect and it’d be stupid of me not to rejuvenate and improve,” said Potter.
Tale of the tape
Potter’s opposite number Eddie Howe has followed a similar path to the one that the Chelsea manager has, and Potter was full of praise for the former Bournemouth manager.
“I could speak for half an hour for how good Eddie is as a person and as a coach. He’s galvanised the team. They’ve a fantastic support at St James’ Park.”
Potter has already faced Newcastle this season in the latter stages of his Brighton career, with the game ending in a goalless draw at the Amex.
The 47-year-old believes Newcastle are a better side from earlier on in the season however.
Potter said: “They’ve got results and deservedly which builds confidence and momentum. We probably should’ve won the game but you could already see they had the physicality and the intensity. Eddie has done a fantastic job. I really like what he’s done.”
Winless run
Potter will be aiming to get back to winning ways ahead of the World Cup break.
On the previous results, Potter said: “You learn that it changes fairly quickly. We had a good performance and result in Salzburg and then it all went wrong at Brighton. We have to suffer even though it’s something we don’t want to do. We recovered well against Zagreb but then didn’t perform well against Arsenal. I thought we played really well vs Manchester City."
On what he believes has gone wrong over recent weeks, Potter said: “You can’t pinpoint to the point. It’s not a simple solution.”