Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic is a doubt for this weekend’s game against Brighton after picking up a calf problem in the win over Red Bull Salzburg.

The Croatian was substituted with just over 20 minutes left in Austria, with manager Graham Potter confirming after the game that the player felt some muscle tightness.

Kalidou Koulibaly is expected to be back in training later this week. The 31-year-old missed the fixtures against Manchester United and Salzburg with a knee injury but he is closing in on a return to full fitness.

Wesley Fofana is believed to be progressing well in his recovery from his own knee issue, but it is not thought that he will return before the World Cup. Reece James (knee) is in a similar situation, with most estimates indicating that the defender will be back available in mid-December.

N’Golo Kante underwent surgery on a troublesome hamstring problem just over a week ago and he is likely to be sidelined for up to four months.