Chelsea star Mason Mount ruled out of Manchester City defeat at Stamford Bridge with minor injury with his absence proving to be a huge blow for Graham Potter

Chelsea were handed a huge blow ahead of their defeat against Manchester City after Mason Mount was ruled out through injury.

It was the first Premier League match that the 23-year-old has missed this season having featured in the opening 16 games.

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Blues boss Graham Potter revealed prior to the loss that Mount's absence is a result of being kicked in training on Wednesday.

He told Sky Sports: "He had a kick in training yesterday.

"It never rains but it pours, as they say. Happy New Year."

Potter added: "Stability helps you improve. From the last game at Bournemouth, we've lost [Reece] James and Mount from the starting XI.

"That's just the life you have as a football manager. That affects your consistency.

"It would be nice to roll out 11 players for each game.

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"But when you're playing Saturday, Tuesday, Saturday, Tuesday, that's not going to happen.

"You have to adjust."

It remains unclear how serious his injury is, but have stated that the Blues are hopeful it is 'relatively minor'.

Mount has been a key player for the west London outfit this season - chipping in with three goals and six assists in 23 games in all competitions.

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The England international was been replaced by Moroccan playmaker Hakim Ziyech in Potter's line-up, but he failed to make an impact.

Mount proved to be a huge absence for Chelsea as they missed his creativity in the final third of the pitch.

Chelsea remain in tenth spot after the 1-0 loss at Stamford Bridge to leave them ten points behind Manchester United in fourth.

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