No Silva lining as Potter confirms Thiago is out for six weeks

Graham Potter will be without Thiago Silva for six weeks as Chelsea battle to salvage their season. 

The Blues host struggling Leeds at Stamford Bridge tomorrow in what is being billed as a must-win fixture for both sides. 

But Potter must cope without Silva, 38, for an extended period after the veteran centre-back damaged knee ligaments during last weekend's 2-0 defeat at London rivals Tottenham. 

To make matters worse, the under-fire Blues boss has also confirmed midfielder Mason Mount is unavailable to face the Whites while Reece James is a doubt. 

He said: "Thiago will be out around six weeks. Edouard Mendy is making progress. N'Golo Kante had his first full training session today but will need time. 

"Mason has had a problem with his lower abdomen area so he will miss the game tomorrow. Reece has tightness in his hamstring and is a doubt."

Chelsea fans are hoping to see Kante, 31, back in action as soon as possible after an injury-hit campaign. 

Like Mount, the Frenchman has yet to extend his stay at Stamford Bridge but Potter remains hopeful that deals can be struck with both midfielders. 

He added: "Mason has been top to work with. In terms of the contract, that's between him and the club. 

"I am the head coach so my focus is on helping the players improve. That is the focus for me."

A dismal run of form has left Chelsea a lowly 10th in the Premier League table and staring down the barrel of a Champions League exit after losing the first leg of their last-16 tie 1-0 at Borussia Dortmund. 

But Potter, 47, refuses to allow speculation about his future affect the work he is putting in to stop the rot. 

He said: "My position is that I need to focus on the next game. Whatever the discussions are, that's not for me."