Potter reacts to rumour this summer signing could leave in January

Chelsea manager Graham Potter has played down the many rumours that Denis Zakaria, who the Blues signed during the summer could leave in January.

Recall that Zakaria joined Chelsea on loan from Italian side Juventus over the summer with a buyout option at the end of the season.

However, he is yet to feature for the Blues, which gave rise to the speculations that the Switzerland international could leave the club during the winter transfer window in January.

Potter, in a reaction, stressed that Zakaria remains an ‘important member’ of his squad and says the 25-year-old is ‘ready to help the team’ in the coming weeks.

Asked if there had been any talks about letting Zakaria leave in January, Potter said: “There has been no decision made at all on that. Denis has been in the group and he’s been training well.

“He’s ready to help the team but obviously there’s competition for places in that area. There’s no talks [about leaving].

“He’s an important member of the team. He’s being patient and trying to help the team from the side at the moment. He’s waiting for a chance.”