Chelsea boss Graham Potter admits Mateo Kovacic has been carrying a knee injury.

Potter says the injury has been with the midfielder since preseason.

He stated, "He's just had an ongoing knee issue that is a little bit of discomfort. It hasn't stopped him completely. He's not able to play properly, certainly, we've had to be conscious of that during this period. It's not a massive problem for him. He'll be fine for the World Cup. I wouldn't necessarily say he's 100%, but he's not far off that.

"It's just we've managed it really well. He's managed it really well. He's a top professional. He's done everything he can in terms of rehab, looking after himself in the gym, and making sure his body is as good as can be. Fantastic professional.

"Yeah, I think it's been going on from pretty much pre-season, and we've tried to make the best of it."

Potter also confirmed Lewis Hall and Omari Hutchinson will see action at Carabao Cup opponents Manchester City.

He added: "He's in the squad. Lewis Hall is in the squad. They've impressed, They've been training with us for a while now, and we've got some good quality young players we just need to nurture and take the right steps with. They will be in the squad and involved."