Graham Potter confirms Mendy & Kante's expected Chelsea injury return dates

Graham Potter has confirmed when Chelsea expect N'Golo Kante and Edouard Mendy to return from injury after training on the pitch this week.

The pair have been absent in recent weeks, struggling through injury as Thomas Tuchel was replaced by Potter earlier in the month.

Mendy sustained a knee injury against West Ham United and has been missing since, with Kepa Arrizabalaga filling in for the Senegal international as Chelsea lost to Dinamo Zagreb under Tuchel and drew to FC Salzburg under Potter.

West Ham boss David Moyes accused the shot-stopper of feigning injury in the clash, stating: "The goalkeeper comes out and fumbles... then acts as if it's a shoulder injury!

Edouard Mendy down after Maxwel Cornet's disallowed goal. (Alamy)

"The goalkeeper tried to fake an injury on our first goal as well.

"So he's done the same on the second goal.

"Jarrod says he hasn't touched the goalkeeper at all. If anything, it might be a slight trailing foot, but the goalkeeper has already dropped the ball."

"He's faked a shoulder injury. It didn't affect him last 15 minutes."

However, this has proved to be false as Mendy has been absent since the clash against the Irons.

Kante, on the other hand, has been out for longer after sustaining a hamstring injury against Tottenham Hotspur last month.

Potter has now provided an update on the pair, speaking to the press ahead of the Premier League clash against Crystal Palace.

“They're fine in terms of coming through the rehab stages and NG has been on the grass," he said on Kante. "Maybe next week for him."

Continuing to discuss Mendy's selection chances, Potter ruled him out of Saturday's clash but revealed that he will be back at a similar time to Kante.

N'Golo Kante in action against Spurs. (Alamy)

"Edou is a bit further on, but hasn’t had enough to be involved at the weekend," he said.

"Maybe next week for him."

Therefore Kepa will most likely be handed the opportunity to impress from the start against the Eagles as he looks to regain his place in the Chelsea team.

It remains to be seen as to who will be Potter's first choice goalkeeper in the future when Mendy returns from his injury.

Kante will also look to fight his way back into the Chelsea side, competing for a space in the Blues' midfield when he returns next week.