Thomas Tuchel revealed that Mateo Kovacic has tested positive for Covid just one day after returning to training following a lengthy hamstring injury.
The Croatian midfielder has missed the Blues’ last eight games due to an injury picked up in training in October.
The Chelsea boss was expecting a boost to his squad ahead of the final Champions League group clash away at Zenit St Petersburg on Wednesday night, however Kovacic is now in isolation.
Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel revealed that Mateo Kovacic has tested positive for Covid today
Kovacic has missed the Blues’ last eight games due to an injury picked up in training in October
‘Mateo was in training yesterday with a big smile and was pure pleasure to have him back,’ Tuchel said.
‘But he tested positive today for Covid and is isolating…
‘There are risks but as a club we do everything possible to minimise that risk. We get tested several times a week and take the precautions to minimise that risk.
‘As a club and a team we feel as safe as possible and will carry on doing so.’
Tuchel also confirmed that Jorginho and N’Golo Kante wouldn’t be available to him for the trip to Russia.
Chelsea, who are certain of qualification to the knockout-stages, will finish top of their group if they better Juventus’ result against Malmo.
More to follow…
This post first appeared on Dailymail.co.uk