Graham Potter reveals why £86million Mykhailo Mudryk was subbed off at half time as Blues limp to 0-0 Fulham draw
CHELSEA manager Graham Potter has revealed why he substituted Mykhailo Mudryk at half-time during their goalless draw with Fulham.
The Ukrainian forward, 22, arrived at Stamford Bridge for £88million last month and came off the bench to make his debut against Liverpool.
His first start came at home to Fulham on Friday evening as Blues supporters were given the chance to see what the former Shakhtar Donetsk man could do.
But they were treated to just 45 minutes of Mudryk as Potter hooked him for fellow new signing Noni Madueke at the break.
Now Potter has confirmed the decision was made due to Mudryk suffering a cold in the lead-up to the game.
Speaking to , he said: "It’s always that way sometimes with the young players.
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"He also had a really heavy cold as well. He’s suffered a little bit with that this week.
"So he was just feeling a little heavy-legged at half-time. We didn’t want to take any risks with him."
In a separate interview, he then added: "He’s still in a process where we’re building up his minutes because of the break that he’s been on in Ukraine."
Prior to the Liverpool game, Mudryk had not played a competitive match since November due to the break in the Ukrainian season.
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He contributed 12 goals and 17 assists in 44 appearances for Shakhtar.
And Chelsea fans will be eager for him to have a positive impact after a dismal period for Potter's side.
The draw with Fulham leaves them down in ninth place in the Premier League table.
Chelsea, who have won just two of their last 12 games in all competitions, go to West Ham next weekend, before the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie against Borussia Dortmund.