Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel offers updates on the team news ahead facing Leeds United on Sunday
Speaking in the press conference (h/t Football.London) ahead of this weekend’s game against Leeds United, Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel offered an update on N’Golo Kante, Mateo Kovacic and Armando Broja before his side travel to Elland Road for their next league game on Sunday afternoon.
It is not good news for midfielder N’Golo Kante, who is expected to be out for weeks instead of days. Tuchel described it as “not good news” and expressed disappointment as the player was super fit during the first two games of this season and played really well. The French World Cup winner will be missed by the team for the games he is set to sit out.
“We’re talking about weeks, which is not good news. We’re disappointed and sad because N’Golo was super fit.”
The Chelsea manager also added that striker Armando Broja and midfielder Mateo Kovacic will miss the game on Sunday, although the German did not give the extent of the injuries of these two players.
Kante picked up the hamstring injury during the Blues’ previous game against Tottenham Hotspur when they were 2-1 up. The 31-year-old was having a great game until then. The team felt his absence in the middle to close out the game when the opposition eventually equalised with the last meaningful action.
On the other hand, Kovacic is yet to start a league game this season. He was on the bench in the opening day fixture against Everton but missed the Spurs game due to a knee injury, for which he is going to need more treatment.
The treatment and recovery may keep him out of action for the foreseeable future. Chelsea have been good when the Croatian international starts and plays well.
Young striker Broja did come on from the bench in both the games so far, but he is injured now. It must be devastating for a player who is still trying to impress the manager with his performances with the hope that he will get a starting berth one day. Getting injuries at the wrong time is not going to help the cause.
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Injuries are part of the game and the players can’t be at fault for this. Hopefully, all three of them are back as soon as possible.
For Tuchel, the challenge is to find a midfield combination without two key players in that department. Conor Gallagher must be in contention to get his first of this season.