Champions League, before Zenit – Chelsea: Mateo Kovacic positive for Covid-19, Chelsea will run, says Tuchel

Mateo Kovacic, the Croatian midfielder from Chelsea, has tested positive for Covid-19 and will have to self-isolate for several days, Blues coach Thomas Tuchel announced on Tuesday ahead of the Champions League match at Zenit St. Petersburg, Wednesday. “We have bad news because Mateo was in training yesterday (Monday) and he had a big smile on his face and it was a pleasure to see him back, but he tested positive today“, explained the German coach at a press conference.

“He is in quarantine and unavailable for several more days, which is a big blow for him personally and for all of us.“, he added of the central midfielder who has missed the last eight games with a hamstring injury.

Tuchel already deprived of Lukaku and Kanté

Currently at the top of Group H of the C1, tied on points with Juventus Turin which receives Malmö for the last group day, Chelsea will try to keep first place and home advantage in the second leg in the round of 16 that it offers, while managing its workforce. With Romelu Lukaku not yet fully recovered from an ankle injury, Ben Chilwell injured for the rest of the season, Trevoh Chalobah hit with hamstrings and N’Golo Kanté in the knee, the Blues have little choice.

“The decision is not taken yet because we have just trained (but …) there is a good chance that we will rest some players and that we give minutes to players who need rhythm“, Tuchel admitted.”The guys look fresh, they’re ready for tomorrow and we could play any of them, but the problem is the next game.“, he clarified.