Potter opens up Chelsea’s summer signing leaving Stamford Bridge in January

Chelsea boss, Graham Potter has played down claims that summer signing Denis Zakaria could leave the club in January.

Zakaria moved to Chelsea on loan from Juventus over the summer and has the option of making his move permanent at the end of the season.

He is yet to kick the ball for the Blues and this has sparked speculation that the Switzerland international could depart the club when the transfer window reopens in January.

But Potter insists 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.”