December 07, (THEWILL) – Mateo Kovacic has been placed in isolation after testing positive for COVID-19 just 24 hours after returning to Chelsea training.
The Croatian has been out for eight games due to a hamstring injury, but he returned to training on Monday and was expected to play against Leeds United this weekend.
Unfortunately, Thomas Tuchel confirmed that Kovacic tested positive and is no longer eligible for the game.
At his pre-match presser, Tuchel said: “Mateo was in training yesterday with a big smile and it was a pure pleasure to have him back, but he tested positive today and is isolating, so he’s out for several days. It’s a huge setback both for him and for us.”
Jorginho, who has been suffering from a niggle for some time, has been ruled out with a hip injury, while N’Golo Kante is still out with a knee ailment.
Tuchel was asked if Kante’s shaky injury record has anything to do with the fact that he is already 30. The manager said it is simply a case of poor luck: “I have an open relationship with him. He takes care of himself and needs his time. We don’t have the feeling that it is because of his age that he takes longer. He’s a careful person and doesn’t want to take risks.
“He is superman, the guy who makes the difference, the guy everybody in the world wants to have in their midfield. We miss him, but can we produce results without N’Golo? Yep, but it’s easier with him. We built him up after his last injury, but he had an accident which is not related to age or overload, against Juventus. We miss him a lot.”
With Kovacic, Jorginho, and Kante all missing, it is likely that Atletico Madrid loanee Saul Niguez will be recalled for another chance to impress after a spate of poor performances since joining Chelsea.
Tuchel acknowledged this as well as he said of Saul: “He’s one of the guys who needs rhythm and minutes. He’s always in our thoughts, we reflect on every training session and performance.
“I think he struggled a bit with the intensity, and I also think he was a bit unlikely. He played against Aston Villa, Southampton and Watford, all three were high-intensity games, above average. That does not suit his main qualities.
“We try to encourage him because he grows into Chelsea more and more. We will not stop encouraging him and trying to bring out the best, helping him to help us. It’s a high possibility he will prove it tomorrow.”
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
