Ibrahim Oladamola
Graham Potter has praised the way Mason Mount has conducted himself during a difficult season that has seen him linked with a move away from Chelsea.
Mount – who came through the academy at Stamford Bridge – is under contract only until the end of next season and reports suggest he is wanted by a number of clubs, including Liverpool and Bayern Munich, who are now coached by his former Blues boss Thomas Tuchel.
Bayern recently appointed ex-Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel, who is thought to want the England player – with the Blues reportedly asking for £70m.
“It’s been tough for him. How he’s acted has been top,” said Potter.
Mount has scored 33 goals in 192 games for Chelsea, with 19 of them coming in 86 games under Tuchel, who was sacked earlier this season.
Mount is set to be involved for Chelsea when they host Aston Villa on Saturday – live on Sky Sports – although Potter admitted he is unlikely to start as he recovers from injury.
“He’s had niggling injuries and noise and speculation,” added Potter. “He’s a professional, a top professional and a good lad.
“Sometimes in your career things aren’t optimal and you have to act well and that’s exactly what he’s done.”
Mount is set to be joined on the bench against Villa by N’Golo Kante, who is still stepping up his recovery from a serious hamstring injury suffered in August.
The France international did get minutes in behind-closed-doors games during the international break and Potter said he is likely to make it onto the pitch on Saturday.
Chelsea are also set to call on Kai Havertz and Reece James, who have been training after withdrawing from the Germany and England squads, respectively, while Christian Pulisic will be assessed following an illness.
However, Potter revealed Wesley Fofana and Raheem Sterling are set to miss the visit of Villa due to hamstring injuries, with Tuesday’s visit of Liverpool – also live on Sky Sports – considered a more likely date for their return.
Thiago Silva and Cesar Azpilicueta will also miss this weekend’s fixture.
