05 April 2023 , 11:59
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Chelsea interim head coach Bruno Saltor insists he won't hesitate to use Mason Mount despite speculation over his future.
The 24-year-old was an unused substitute during their 0-0 draw against Liverpool on Tuesday night and has been heavily linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge this summer after contract negotiations were put on hold. Mount has just over a year left on his current deal.
Mount hasn't featured since Chelsea's 2-0 defeat against Tottenham back in February due to a foot injury. When asked about his absence, Bruno said: "He was available, but he's coming back from an injury. It's always challenging bringing players back from injury. He can play in different positions. He's a great player. We love him.
"He's a leader. He loves the club. You can see he's an important player for us. He will have minutes for sure with anyone."
Before he was sacked on Sunday evening, Potter spoke glowingly of Mount despite his struggles for form and fitness at Chelsea this season. Mount has scored three goals in 32 matches this season.
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Potter said: "I think it's been tough for him because he's had some niggling injury and speculation off the pitch. He's a professional and a top professional and he's a fantastic lad.
"How he's acted with me, with the team, how he's acted around us has been absolutely top. I think that's credit to him because sometimes in your career things are difficult, not quite optimal how you'd like them to be and you have to act well and conduct yourself in a good way and that's exactly what he's done."
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Mount's future has been up in the air for some time amid a stand-off over a new contract.
Liverpool are one of the teams that have been registered with an interest, while several other Premier League clubs have been linked.
Jurgen Klopp could be set to bolster his squad this summer with a number of additions as the German attempts to revamp his underperforming side. Several players are also out of contract, including three senior midfielders, which could see Mount make his way to the Reds at the end of the season, while Klopp is also a fan of his Chelsea teammate, Conor Gallagher.