Kante has been missing since the draw with Tottenham Hotspur a month ago, while Mendy has not played since the Premier League win over West Ham 10 days ago.

Potter has confirmed neither will play under the lights at Stamford Bridge tomorrow night.

‘Edouard Mendy will miss the game, and so will N’Golo Kante. Both of them are progressing well but the game comes too soon.

‘He [Mendy] has responded well but his knee has been bothering him for a bit. It might not be too long but at the moment he is not available.’

The former Brighton & Hove Albion head coach was also asked to comment on the state of Chelsea’s squad, as numerous summer signings continue to settle in at Cobham.

‘The response has been positive from the squad. They are an honest, responsible group who have been positive around the training ground. They want to achieve, do well and I am absolutely happy with the squad, there is a lot of quality in it,' he said.

‘I am looking forward to getting to know them better, I can only worry about things I can control.’

Potter also sent a message to the Chelsea supporters, who he hopes he can create a rapport with straight away.

‘The connection between the supporters and team is the most important thing. Yes, I am the head coach but I’m no more important than anyone else, I would love their support.

‘What can I promise? I can promise I will always try my best every day. I want a humble and respectful team that runs hard. We want to entertain but we also want to win,’ Potter said.

‘We want to create our own team and identity and we will fight every day for it.’