Graham Potter has played down the rumours that new summer signing Denis Zakaria will leave the club this January.
Chelsea could have the option to make the loan deal permanent at the end of the season but the situation is still not clear regarding the Juventus midfielder’s future at the club.
Zakaria has not yet made a good start for Chelsea, leading to rumours that he would depart the Premier League team when the transfer window reopens in January.
However, Potter admits that Zakaria is still a key player in his team and that the 25-year-old is ready to help the team over the coming weeks.
As reported by Football London, the manager said:
“There’s no decision been made. Denis has been in the group and is training well. He is ready to help the team. There is competition for places in that area but he is an important part of the team and waiting for his chance.”
Chelsea, who sit fourth in the Premier League after winning four straight games following Thomas Tuchel’s dismissal, have eight games left to play before the World Cup winter break.
Zakaria only made 11 appearances for Juventus before the Italian club decided to send the 42-cap Swiss international to Chelsea in the summer. The midfielder expressed his desire to persuade Chelsea to offer him a long-term contract at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues’ lack of depth in defensive midfield, which appeared to be made worse by N’Golo Kante’s injury, was addressed by the addition of Zakaria. However, since Potter’s arrival, Mateo Kovacic and Jorginho have been in strong form, and Ruben Loftus-Cheek has performed well when given the chance.
As a result, Zakaria might have to wait a while before making his Chelsea debut. Notably, the Swiss midfielder has started just five games this season, including three of the previous four games overall.
