“He was really suffering” – Graham Potter explains Mohammed Kudus’ early substitution
“He was really suffering” – Graham Potter explains Mohammed Kudus’ early substitution
In a post-match interview following his team’s 3-1 victory over Crystal Palace, Chelsea manager Graham Potter provided some insight into why star midfielder Mohammed Kudus was substituted in the first half of the match, saying the player was “really suffering” with an injury concern.
Kudus, who had been in scintillating form since his summer move from Ajax, was forced off the pitch in the 39th minute after showing signs of discomfort. His substitution raised immediate questions from fans and pundits, particularly as the Ghanaian international had looked sharp in the early stages of the match. The decision to remove him before halftime left many wondering about the severity of the issue and whether it would impact his participation in upcoming fixtures.
Potter, speaking after the game, explained that Kudus had been feeling a niggle in his hamstring that had been affecting his performance. “Mohammed had been telling us that he was feeling something in his hamstring,” Potter said. “It wasn’t a risk we wanted to take, especially with the intensity of the match and the busy schedule ahead. He was really suffering out there, and while it wasn’t a serious injury, it was clear that he needed to come off.”
The decision to substitute Kudus came as Chelsea were in control of the match, leading 2-0 after a brace from Raheem Sterling. Although the team didn’t miss a beat after Kudus’ departure, with Enzo Fernández adding a third goal in the second half, there was concern among fans about the impact the injury might have on the player’s availability for upcoming fixtures in both the Premier League and the Champions League.
Potter reassured supporters that the substitution was a precautionary measure and that the club would conduct further assessments to determine the full extent of the injury. “We’ll have to wait and see how he responds in the next couple of days. It’s always a bit difficult to make an accurate diagnosis straight away, but at this stage, it doesn’t seem like anything too serious.”
Kudus’ injury comes at a challenging time for Chelsea, who are currently in the midst of a busy period with multiple competitions. The midfielder has become an integral part of Potter’s plans, contributing both goals and assists since his arrival. His versatility in attacking positions has allowed Potter to rotate his squad effectively, and his absence for any length of time could be a blow to Chelsea’s momentum.
The Ghanaian international has impressed with his technical ability and dynamic play, earning praise from both his manager and fans alike for his mature performances at such a young age. Kudus was one of the standout players in Chelsea’s last Champions League match, scoring a stunning goal against Borussia Dortmund, and his presence has been a major factor in the club’s improved form this season.
As the team now prepares for an important clash against Manchester United in the Premier League, the hope is that Kudus’ injury is minor, and he will be back in action sooner rather than later. Chelsea fans will be eagerly awaiting updates, hoping that their dynamic midfielder will be ready to continue his strong start to life in England.
