Their hopes of maintaining their Champions League status could solely rely on winning this season's competition.

But the west Londoners will have to overcome holders Real Madrid in the quarter-finals before Manchester City or Bayern Munich in the semi-finals.

Chelsea have confirmed that Bruno Saltor, who joined with Potter from Brighton, will take interim charge in his absence.

His first game at the helm comes when Liverpool visit Stamford Bridge on Tuesday.

The club may hope to have appointed a long-term successor before Saturday's trip to Wolves, with Julian Nagelsmann reportedly an early favourite.

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