Graham Potter rules Chelsea duo out of his first game in charge as Blues prepare for RB Salzburg clash

Graham Potter has ruled two Chelsea players out of his first game in charge as the Blues prepare to face Red Bull Salzburg in the Champions League.

Chelsea news, exclusives and analysis

Chelsea face Austrian champions RB Salzburg at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night in Potter’s first game as manager.

Former Brighton boss Potter joined Chelsea on a five-year deal last week following Thomas Tuchel’s sacking at Stamford Bridge.

Potter is excited to begin his tenure as Chelsea boss tomorrow night but has confirmed he will be without goalkeeper Edouard Mendy and midfielder N’Golo Kante.

Both Mendy and Kante missed Chelsea training on Tuesday and Potter said: ‘Edouard will miss the game, and so will NG.

‘Both of those guys are progressing well but this game is coming too soon for them.

‘With Mendy, it’s a knee problem. It’s responded well to treatment and it doesn’t look like it will be too long [before he’s back] but at the moment he’s not available.’

Potter spent three years at Brighton, with the Seagulls finished 15th in 2020, 16th in 2021 and ninth last season.

Brighton enjoyed a superb start to the 2022-23 campaign, winning four of their six matches to take 13 points from a possible 18. Potter leaves with the club sitting fourth in the Premier League.

On his decision to leave Brighton, Potter said: ‘The football club here, the history, the tradition, the size of the club and to compete in the Champions League, it is a completely different challenge to the once I’ve had.

Olivier Giroud reacts to Chelsea sacking Thomas Tuchel and Arsenal's superb form

N'Golo Kante rejects new Chelsea deal as two Premier League clubs ramp up interest

Chelsea scout reveals Blues wanted Man Utd star long before Old Trafford switch

‘I had three fantastic