Another midfield injury blow for Graham Potter and Chelsea ahead of Brighton

Stunning goals from Mateo Kovacic and Kai Havertz sealed a 2-1 win at RB Salzburg in testing conditions and booked a last-16 spot.

Kovacic found the top corner with a first-time effort in the first half and after Junior Adamu had levelled for the Austrians, Havertz won the game in fine style by curling a sublime shot in off the post.

Chelsea remain unbeaten in nine games under Potter, who is without the services of France midfielder N'Golo Kante, French defender Wesley Fofana, England defender Reece James and Senegal defender Kalidou Koulibaly because of injury.

Potter is now preparing to return to his former club Brighton on Saturday but could be without Tuesday’s star performer Kovacic who left the game early after suffering a calf issue.

Potter, who remains unbeaten since arriving at Chelsea, confirmed: “He is feeling his calf a little bit, it is a heavy pitch. He was feeling a little bit of tightness, hopefully it’s not too bad. It is just how it is at this point of the season.”