Graham Potter has revealed that Raheem Sterling is unlikely to play any part for Chelsea versus West Ham United on Saturday afternoon.
Sterling has been out of contention since January 5 when he sustained a hamstring injury against former club Manchester City.
Having missed five matches, the winger had been on the brink of a return, potentially in the London derby against the Hammers.
However, the summer signing has been described as "doubtful" by his head coach having picked up a knock during training.
While addressing the media, Potter also indicated that Mateo Kovacic is again likely to miss out with a calf issue, the third straight fixture that he has been sidelined.
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On a more positive note, the Englishman has acknowledged that Wesley Fofana and Denis Zakaria are both back in team training after their respective layoffs.
Fofana has not played a competitive fixture since October due to a knee injury, while Zakaria sustained a quad problem during the meeting with Fulham on January 12.
Potter was also naturally quizzed on whether Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang would be selected in the squad after two recent squad omissions and speculation regarding his future.
Los Angeles Galaxy are said to be bidding to sign the Gabon international on a loan deal, but Potter has reiterated that the 33-year-old remains an option in his squad.
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Speaking to reporters at a press conference, Potter said: "Nothing to report. He has been training with us this week, training with us well.
"He has been supporting his teammates and while he is here, he is doing what he needs to do."
Chelsea are also boosted by the availability of Joao Felix now that the Atletico Madrid loanee has served a three-match ban for his dismissal versus Fulham last month.
Should Chelsea recorded just a third win in 13 top-flight fixtures, they will move level on points with seventh-placed Brentford in the standings.
Darren Plant
