Graham Potter explains why Mykhailo Mudryk has not been playing for Chelsea

Graham Potter says Mykhailo Mudryk is simply going through a settling in stage at Chelsea, and regardless of his huge transfer fee, it will take as long as it takes.

Chelsea news, exclusives and analysis

The winger signed from Shakhtar Donetsk for £88m in January as Chelsea beat Arsenal to his signature after a lengthy pursuit from the Gunners.

There was serious hype surrounding the Ukrainian but he is yet to deliver on it, making just two Premier League starts and three more league appearances from the bench, without a goal or assist to his name yet.

Potter intends to get Mudryk into the team, potentially as soon as this weekend at Leicester, and says it is simply a bedding in period in a new country, new league and having not played for some time when he was signed.

‘Every player wants to play and it’s important that players play to improve, I think that’s a fact,’ Potter told a press conference. ‘But at the same time, it’s not a straight road, it’s not just a play and everything happens in a linear way. Sometimes you have to take a step away.

‘Sometimes you just need a bit of training time, you need a breather. Lots of factors. Hopefully, he can benefit from the time he’s had. It’s not easy for him to just arrive in the middle of pre-season for him and to come into a new country, new club, new league, and just hit his absolute maximum level.

‘It’s regardless of the fee, I know people will look at the fee but it doesn’t change the situation he is in. So we’re positive about him. We’re positive about the future for him. But we need just to help them settle and help him understand what he needs to do to help us.’

The Blues have been struggling with injuries all season and their problems continue as Raheem Sterling has picked up a hamstring problem ahead of the Leicester meeting on Saturday.

That could offer a chance for Mudryk to play, which Potter says is a possibility.

‘He certainly comes into the equation,’ said the manager. ‘He will be in the squad tomorrow and there is a chance he can play.’

For more stories like this, check our sport page.

Follow Metro Sport for the latest news onFacebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Source: Read Full Article