Our next match in the Premier League is yet another derby game, but this one has a bit of extra spice due to the long-standing rivalry between Chelsea and Tottenham.

Before our trip to north London, Graham Potter confirmed it is a game he and his team are looking forward to, but also underlined what the Blues need to do at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to get back on course following last week's home defeat to Southampton.

'I want to see a positive reaction,' said Potter. 'We need a strong performance, we need three points.

'It’s a fantastic game, a London derby. It’s a game we’re really looking forward to, the training week has been really good, the response of the players has been really good. So we’re looking forward to the game.'

Our head coach also confirmed he used this week as an opportunity to give his players a couple of days off, as we were without a midweek fixture following our trip to Germany the previous Wednesday, sandwiched between two Premier League matches.

'They were scheduled days off and after the week we had with the Champions League it just fitted that they were there. Sometimes you need a couple of days to clear the head and to make sure that the feedback and the planning is correct. So it was already scheduled.'

Tottenham vs Chelsea Azpilicueta injury update

Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta left the pitch on a stretcher and was taken to hospital when he suffered a nasty head injury in our game against Southampton last week, after being caught by Sekou Mara's flying boot.

However, Potter had good news on his condition after the Spaniard was released from hospital and returned to Cobham this week, even if he won't be available for selection at Tottenham.

'He’s okay, as okay as you can be when you’ve had that type of concussion,' explained our head coach. 'He’s around the place, around the boys, it’s great to see him.

'Obviously he won’t be available to play at the weekend, we need to go through the right protocols, but the good news is he’s doing well.'

Tottenham vs Chelsea Kante and Pulisic injury update

Several players sat out last week's game with Southampton at Stamford Bridge as a precaution, Potter attempting to manage players' minutes with so many having recently returned from injury, to avoid further setbacks or new injuries to the other players he has had to rely heavily on during that period.

However, there was further good news, as Potter confirmed they should be back in contention to face Tottenham, while two of those still missing - N'Golo Kante and Christian Pulisic - continue their own work to recover and return to the fold on matchdays.

'The players who missed Southampton will be back. We’ve had a good week’s training, everybody’s available pretty much, apart from N’Golo Kante and Christian Pulisic.

'They are certainly making progress. They are joining the warm-up at the moment and they will be more integrated next week. So that’s good.'

Tottenham vs Chelsea Aubameyang update

Potter was also asked about the availability and future of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who hasn't featured since missing out on our Champions League squad at the end of January.

'He has a future here,' added Potter. 'He is competing for a place in the squad, he’s had a really good training week. It’s been a great response from the situation that we’ve been in and he’s available for selection.'

Tottenham vs Chelsea injury list

Raheem Sterling and Mateo Kovacic both made their return against Southampton last week, but Potter will still be without Edouard Mendy and Armando Broja, who remain unavailable as they work on their rehabilitation following injury.

Tottenham are without Rodrigo Bentancur for the rest of the season after he suffered a serious knee injury, while fellow midfielder Yves Bissouma and goalkeeper Hugo Lloris are both expected to be out until the end of March. Ryan Sessegnon is also a doubt after missing Spurs' last three games with a hamstring problem.

Tottenham vs Chelsea suspension

There are no suspensions for either side in this match.

Players who accumulate 10 yellow cards in Premier League matches up to and including our 32nd fixture will serve a two-match suspension in the competition.

Premier League booking list
Gallagher 4, Koulibaly 4, Kovacic 4, Azpilicueta 3, Chalobah 3, Havertz 3, James 3, Mount 3, Sterling 3, Cucurella 2, Aubameyang 1, Badiashile 1, Chilwell 1, Hall 1, Kepa 1, Loftus-Cheek 1, Mendy 1, Pulisic 1, Thiago Silva 1

Tottenham vs Chelsea referee and VAR

Referee: Stuart Attwell
VAR: Paul Tierney

Stuart Attwell was the referee for our goalless draw with Fulham at Stamford Bridge three weeks ago. His other two Blues games this season were at Leeds United and at home to Manchester United.

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