Thomas Tuchel has provided an update on his Chelsea squad ahead of the club’s clash with Leeds in the Premier League this weekend.
Chelsea face Marcelo Bielsa’s side at Stamford Bridge tomorrow, looking to bounce back from last weekend’s defeat at West Ham.
The west Londoners are currently third in the Premier League, two points behind leaders Manchester City ahead of this weekend’s fixtures.
Addressing his pre-match press conference ahead of the visit of Leeds, Tuchel confirmed that Chelsea will again be without Trevoh Chalobah, Mateo Kovacic, N’Golo Kante and Ben Chilwell.
“Trev is still out. Mateo Kovacic is out, N’Golo Kante out for tomorrow, and Ben Chilwell,” Tuchel revealed.
There was better news on Jorginho, however, who is set to return after missing the midweek Champions League draw with Zenit St Petersburg. Ruben Loftus-Cheek is also available after returning to training.
“He (Jorginho) did the last two training sessions and I think he will do what he did the last games, play through pain and do what he needs to be on the pitch,” Tuchel said.
Chelsea’s midfield options are stretched at present, though Tuchel confirmed that Reece James will return to wing-back after deputising in a central role in midweek. He also spoke on Kante’s continued absence and is hopeful the France international can return to training next week.
“Reecey will start as a wing-back. We will find another consolation, he helped us out. We took the match to see some things because imagine if something happens tomorrow to Jorgi and we need to have a solution and we wanted to see it in real life.”
On Kante, Tuchel added: “We are always worried when we have to live and play without N’Golo because he is exceptional and a unique player all over the world.
“This is my personal opinion. You cannot find a second N’Golo, so of course we’re worried. We hope he comes back on Tuesday to team training.”
