Will Chelsea’s Injury Crisis Cost Graham Potter His Job?

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When Graham Potter was introduced as Chelsea supervisor again in September, a lot was fabricated from the appointment. 4 months later, the previous Brighton boss is battling to save lots of his job.

Over the previous few years, Potter has established himself as one of many brightest British managers within the sport. After reducing his tooth at Swedish facet Ostersunds, the 47-year-old loved a quick stint at Swansea Metropolis earlier than revolutionizing Brighton.

There is no such thing as a denying that Potter is a top-class coach. Nevertheless, accidents to a number of key gamers have severely hampered his begin to life at Stamford Bridge.

On the time of writing, the Blues have ten first-team gamers sidelined because of damage. Worse nonetheless, new signing Joao Felix will serve a three-match suspension after receiving a crimson card on his debut.

Armando Broja and Christian Pulisic are long-term damage absentees, whereas Raheem Sterling, Edouard Mendy and Ben Chilwell are sidelined for the foreseeable future.

With Denis Zakaria, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Reece James, Wesley Fofana and N’Golo Kante additionally anticipated to overlook the subsequent sport or two, it’s secure to say that Chelsea are within the midst of an damage disaster.

Following Thursday’s 2-1 defeat to Fulham, Potter’s report at Chelsea stands at eight wins, 4 attracts and 7 losses throughout all competitions – giving him a win price of 42.1%. That isn’t a horrible report, however it’s nothing particular.

Not solely have the Blues misplaced 5 of their final seven Premier League video games, however they’ve additionally received simply one among their earlier 9. In consequence, they discover themselves tenth within the desk – ten factors exterior the Champions League locations.

It’s also price noting that Chelsea are solely ten factors away from the relegation zone. After all, they’ll virtually actually keep away from the drop. However they might want to flip issues round shortly.

Chelsea have strengthened their squad with three new signings this month, signing French centre-back Benoit Badiashile from Monaco, Brazilian midfielder Andrey Santos from Vasco da Gama and Ivory Coast striker David Datro Fofana from Molde.

Nevertheless, the membership will probably have to make extra signings earlier than the switch window closes in the event that they wish to present the required cowl for his or her injured stars.

Few would argue that Potter is just not a high-quality supervisor with top-level teaching abilities. But when he can’t get the most effective out of his injury-hit squad, he might discover himself in search of a brand new job within the not-too-distant future.