https://www.chelseafc.com/en/news/2021/12/10/
tuchel-rules-four-out-but-duo-return-for-leeds
Tuchel rules four out but duo return for Leeds
10 Dec 2021
Thomas Tuchel has confirmed that Trevoh Chalobah, Ben Chilwell, Mateo
Kovacic and N'Golo Kante are unavailable for the visit of Leeds United in
the Premier League, however central-midfield duo Jorginho and Ruben
Loftus-Cheek are fit for selection.
https://i.imgur.com/WUgT9M5.jpg
The Blues return to Stamford Bridge tomorrow after three away fixtures in
a row, with our German head coach updating on the injuries of the four
confirmed absentees as well as providing more positive news on the
centre-midfielders, where we were particularly light in the midweek draw
with Zenit Saint Petersburg.
'Trev is still out. Mateo Kovacic is out, N'Golo Kante out for tomorrow,
and Ben Chilwell,' Tuchel confirmed.
Speaking on Jorginho, who missed out in midweek, the boss had some good
news regarding his availability.
'He 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, smiling.
https://i.imgur.com/0ZP5iAP.jpg
Jorgi in Blues training
In the Italian's absence Reece James played in the middle of the park
alongside Ross Barkley in the 3-3 draw with Zenit, where he has played
before in his academy days and during his loan spell with Wigan Athletic.
However, Tuchel confirmed in his pre-match press conference that James
will revert back to his usual position for tomorrow's match against Leeds
United.
'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.
https://i.imgur.com/U9xeBBM.jpg
Reece battling in the middle of the park
'We took the match in Zenit to check out Saul in a different position and
Reecey for impact in the middle of the pitch. But there is no need
tomorrow to try these things. He [James] will start as a wing-back.'
Tuchel also provided an update on the injury to midfielder N'Golo Kante,
who was substituted in last month's win over Juventus at Stamford Bridge
after picking up an injury.
'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.'
https://i.imgur.com/P7Uw6ZB.jpg
Kante was announced as November's Goal of the Month winner yesterday
Speaking of the Frenchman, Tuchel believes he is close to a return to
training. 'Now is a slightly too long break again. We hope he comes back
on Tuesday to team training.'