Graham Potter confronts the decision of N'Golo Kante with the Chelsea challenge before Real Madrid

Graham Potter confronts the decision of N'Golo Kante with the Chelsea challenge before Real Madrid

Graham Potter plans to take advantage of the international break to refuel, at least for a couple of days. How realistic that ambition is when Chelsea's head coach is questionable; there are still high-level games and big issues to prepare and plan for.

I'm probably going to close my eyes and sleep for a few hours... or try it! I'll spend a little time with the family, and then we'll see [what has to be done].

The French will end the month of March undefeated. Three indispensable wins have been won against Leeds United, Borussia Dortmund and Leicester City. The frustration is that another has slipped in the final stages against Everton - and Chelsea is unable to put this right until after the international pause.

A visitor to Aston Villa comes next; he is the tenth vs. eleventh in the Premier League. Yet for Chelsea, there is more at stake. With Real Madrid will enter the Champions League quarterfinals next month, the positive momentum must continue. Potter cannot allow another deadly spiral to set in.

There will be tough selection decisions against the side of Unai Emery. Some will be influenced by international events, while others will be influenced by fitness issues.

After recovering for two months after surgery on a fractured finger, Edouard Mendy resumed his full training last week. The Senegalese international has not been in the spotlight for the Blues since November and was usurped in the goaltending order by Kepa Arrizabalaga.

Such was the resumption of the performance of Kepa – who took the armband of the captain of Mateo Kovacic late.Against Everton, who was recalled by Luis de la Fuente as a member of the Spain team. The 28-year-old hopes to get his 12th hat on the international break, and his first since October 2020.

Kepa has been criticized for his weak attempt to halt Ellis Simms' late equalizer on Saturday, but, unless injured, he will be between the posts for Chelsea against Villa. Mendy could be ready to go back to the match day team for the first time since the loss at Newcastle United before the World Cup.

Potter has moved back three times over the last few weeks and will be reluctant to move away from this shape. The question is whether Wesley Fofana is good enough to keep right; The 22-year-old had to withdraw from the French group because of an injury suffered against Everton.

If Fofana is not ready to return, and there is no reason to rush the center-back to Real Madrid to come, Trevoh Chalobah could be handed over to the defense Kalidou Koulibaly may continue in the middle as a result of Thiago Silva's absence – And the 31-year-old will have to rebound after her mistake in preparing for Simms' goal.

Benoit biodiesel went back to the left of the last three over the weekend; its size was much needed given. Air threat coming from Sean Dyche. It will be in operation in France under the age of 21 in the coming days and this May. Marc Cucurella, who is not serving internationally, returns to the team to face Villa.

Potter will probably be careful with Reece James' workload prior to the Champions League quarter-final. However, if the academy graduate does not play two consecutive games for England, he should be competing to start right back. Ben Chilwell is easy to choose on the opposite side.

Chelsea benefits from the international truce to facilitate the return of N'Golo Kante in the match. The Frenchman was an unused replacement against Everton and Potter described after the draw that the plans were in place for Kante to make her comeback in a friendly home.

Kante won't be ready to be cast into the hustle and bustle of Premier League football when Villa visits Stamford Bridge.It is likely that Enzo Fernandez will return with Kovacic in the middle of the field; the duo formed a solid partnership during the last outings.

For the rest of his loan period, Joao Felix is a secured starter; the finances involved in the deal to bring him back from Atletico Madrid ensure that. The Portuguese have strong ties to Kai Havertz, who is expected to continue in the retired role he played in March.

Raheem Sterling is not far off with England while trying to overcome a tendon problem. If the 28-year-old is in good shape, he may go back to his side and spearhead the attack. Christian Pulisic, Mykhailo Mudryk and Noni Madueke may all be useful threats on the part  replacements