Head coach Graham Potter has suggested that Chelsea defender Kalidou Koulibaly is likely to return from a knee injury over the coming matches.
The centre-back was a surprise absentee from Saturday's squad to face Manchester United in the Premier League, Potter revealing after that match that he had sustained an issue with his knee against Brentford three days earlier.
On Monday morning, Koulibaly was not present with the rest of the group in training ahead of the trip to Austria to face Red Bull Salzburg in the Champions League.
While Potter acknowledged that the Senegal international would play no part in the key European fixture, he hinted that a return is not too far away.
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Speaking to reporters at a press conference, the Englishman said: "It's not too serious but this game was too soon for him. We're hoping to get him on the grass Wednesday or Thursday."
Chelsea are due to face Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday afternoon, but it appears likely that the summer arrival will miss a third match in succession.
On a more positive note, Potter was quizzed on the form and increased reliance on Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who has emerged as one of his first-choice players since replacing Thomas Tuchel.
When asked about the academy graduate's chances of earning a call-up to the England squad for the World Cup, Potter acknowledged that the versatile player should be in contention.
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Potter added: "He has really impressed me on and off the pitch. A very humble guy who wants to learn and improve. He's benefitted from game time but they way he has trained has been really good.
"He clearly needs a good fitness level to carry his body around the pitch but the quality is there. He is putting himself into the situation that he is one of the players that Gareth is looking at for sure."
Loftus-Cheek, who has not represented the Three Lions since 2018, has already made a total of 10 starts and four substitute outings in all competitions this season, completing the 90 minutes in three of the last six games.
The 26-year-old is expected to start against Salzburg on Tuesday evening with Chelsea knowing that a victory will secure their place in the Champions League knockout stages.
Darren Plant
