Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel provides injury news ahead of the Wolves clash
While speaking in the pre-match press conference, as quoted by Football.London, Thomas Tuchel has provided the latest injury update regarding Chelsea ahead of their Premier League clash against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Chelsea star N’Golo Kanté didn’t feature in the trip to Everton last week. Even though the Frenchman’s midfield compatriot Jorginho played the first half, he had to be taken out in the string of the second half due to fitness issues. They both remain sidelined as they continue their recovery process behind the scenes.
Ben Chilwell hasn’t featured in a single game since November last year due to a ruptured cruciate ligament. He has made his comeback to training, but it is still unclear when he will make a return to the playing XI.
In February, Callum Hudson-Odoi joined Chilwell on the sidelines as he suffered Achilles tendon problems. The 21-year-old has missed ten games in a row in the Premier League and continues to remain out of action.
In his pre-match conference ahead of the Wolves tie, Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel suggested that all the four aforementioned players are still in the recovery phase and won’t be involved in the coming Premier League fixture. This will leave the Chelsea manager with decisions to make.
“For N’Golo, it comes a little bit too early. Jorgi is out as well. Callum is still out, and Ben Chilwell is out. That’s pretty much it; the rest are available.”
Blow for Chelsea?
After losing to Everton, Chelsea have been dragged down to the top-four race. The Blues face an out of sorts Wolves who have only won one of their last five Premier League matches. Chelsea are no better themselves and have taken some abject losses in recent games.
Kante and Jorginho have been the core of Chelsea’s midfield and their absence will certainly hurt the Blues. However, in recent times both the midfielders have struggled with their fitness. Before getting injured, Kante looked rusty and tired whereas Jorginho hasn’t performed to his best abilities. This could be an indication that the hectic schedule is taking a toll on the players.
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Ben Chilwell’s absence has hurt Chelsea’s overall success this season a lot. Whatever combination the manager tried in this term didn’t work out as effectively as the time he had the English fullback available. It remains to be seen when he returns to full fitness.
Callum Hudson-Odoi has been mostly used as a backup winger. But his injury has hurt the depth of the squad. As the Blues forwards are already struggling to produce, it would be better for the manager to have the academy graduate available and fit. But, considering the recent comments, it is unsure when that will happen.