The head coach was speaking at Stamford Bridge on the eve of our matchday six encounter against the only side to have defeated us in the competition so far this season. Despite that loss back in early September, the Blues have safely negotiated Group E and have already secured top spot, leading some of the journalists present to investigate the possibility of Potter heavily rotating his squad.

As well as answering questions on that subject, Potter also discussed Edouard Mendy’s current mindset ahead of an expected start, with Kepa one of the injury concerns the head coach reported.

Chelsea vs Dinamo Zagreb Kepa injury update

'Kepa won’t be available for the game,’ said Potter.

‘He has a slight issue with his plantar fascia [a part of your foot that connects your heelbone to your toes].

‘We’re looking at days, but certainly not for the game tomorrow.’

Chelsea vs Dinamo Zagreb Koulibaly and Kovacic injury update

Kovacic, a scorer in our most recent Champions League fixture, has been playing through a calf injury recently and didn’t train at Cobham this morning, while Koulibaly has been absent since the draw at Brentford a fortnight ago.

‘He trained today and was fine,' said Potter of the defender.

'Providing there’s no reaction he's available and will be in the squad tomorrow.

‘Kovacic was just precautionary with his calf,' continued Potter.

'He’s got a chance for the game tomorrow, we will make a decision later on.’

'Top professional' Mendy ready

Kepa’s injury hands a chance to Mendy, who came on during the interval at Brighton on Saturday and played his first minutes under Potter.

The Senegalese’s last start for Chelsea was on 3 September, and Potter explained what Mendy has been doing behind the scenes to stay focused and prepared.

‘He’s been great, a top professional, very supportive,’ stressed Potter. ‘I’ve had some good chats with him.

‘He was injured when we first arrived so Kepa played, and Kepa did well. He’s honest and professional enough to know sometimes you have to be patient and work hard and support the team, which is what he did. We can’t ask any more.

‘He’s made sure he’s ready, he’s trained well, and he’s kept his standards high. Now he has an opportunity. It’s unfortunate for Kepa it’s come around like that, but that’s football.’

Chelsea vs Dinamo Zagreb suspension

There are no suspensions. Conor Gallagher and Mason Mount are one yellow card away from a one-match Champions League suspension.

In the Champions League, three yellow cards will result in a one-match-suspension in the competition.

Booking list:

Chelsea: Gallagher 2, Mount 2, Arrizabalaga 1, James 1, Koulibaly 1, Kovacic 1, Sterling 1, Thiago Silva 1

Zagreb: Ademi 2, Baturina 1, Ivanusec 1, Ljubicic 1, Petkovic 1, Marin 1, Moharrami 1, Orsic 1, Ristovski 1

Chelsea vs Dinamo Zagreb injury list

Reece James, Wesley Fofana and N'Golo Kante remain out injured long-term. Potter has said they are unlikely to feature again before the World Cup.

James and Fofana have knee injuries. They are continuing their rehabilitation programme in Dubai this week. Kante is recovering from hamstring surgery.

Zagreb are without defenders Josip Sutalo and Bosko Sutalo.

• Chelsea vs Dinamo Zagreb: Where to watch and TV channel

• Chelsea vs Dinamo Zagreb match centre