Chelsea manger, Thomas Tuchel has announced that that the club’s Chelsea Midfielder, Mateo Kovacic has tested  positive for Covid-19. Tuchel made this announcement while speaking in a pre-match interview ahead of Champions League visit to Zenit St. Petersburg on Wednesday December 8.

 
 

In a development which he described as a “huge setback” for the club, Tuchel revealed that the Croatian will be benched as per covid treatment and prevention rules, adding that N’Golo Kante will also be missing, while Jorginho who is yet to recover fully will be forced to play through the pain of a back niggle.

 
 

Speaking at the interview, coach Thomas Tuchel said’

“We have bad news because Mateo was in training yesterday and with a big smile and it was a pure pleasure to have him back,” after being out for a hamstring,

 
 
 

“But he tested positive today, for coronavirus, so he’s quarantining for a few days. So it’s a huge setback for him personally and for all of us.”

 
 
 

Asked if the resurgence of coronavirus has caused extra concerns at Chelsea generally, Tuchel added: “Yes, I was aware that this can happen, me personally.

 
 

“I’m not happy not only as a manager but also as a person. But this is the reality at the moment, we have to face it to be ready to adapt and to do the best thing possible to avoid transmission.

 
 
 

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