Chelsea are reportedly planning to open contract talks with Mateo Kovacic after the World Cup.
The 28-year-old only has little over 18 months left to run on his current deal at Stamford Bridge, having penned a five-year agreement following his arrival from Real Madrid in July 2019.
Kovacic has again been an important player for Chelsea during the 2022-23 campaign, making 13 appearances in all competitions, contributing one goal and one assist in the process.
The Croatia international’s minutes are being managed this season, though, with Blues boss Graham Potter revealing after the 1-1 draw with Manchester United on Saturday that the midfielder is still not fully over the knee problem that he suffered in the early stages of the season.
“He’s been nursing his knee all season pretty much and you look at the schedule, it’s impossible for him to start all the games,” Potter told reporters. “We’ve planned for him to have less time but things have conspired against us.”
The midfielder started on the bench against Man United, but he was introduced before the half-time break as part of a tactical change, with the home side struggling to gain a foothold before he featured.
Kovacic was back in the starting side against Red Bull Salzburg in the Champions League on Tuesday, finding the back of the net in the 23rd minute, but he was substituted with a tight calf in the 68th minute of what proved to be a 2-1 victory for the Premier League club.
“There was a bit of tightness [in his calf]. Hopefully, it is not too bad,” said Potter when asked about the midfielder’s fitness after Tuesday’s game.
According to the Evening Standard, Chelsea view Kovacic as a key part of their plans moving forward, and the club are keen to begin talks over a new deal once the World Cup has finished.
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