https://www.chelseafc.com/en/news/2022/04/30/
tuchel-updates-on-injured-trio-and-saul-s-future
Tuchel updates on injured trio and Saul's future
30 Apr 2022
Thomas Tuchel has confirmed that three members of his squad remain out of
contention to face Everton tomorrow, in addition to doubts over two more,
as well as discussing Saul Niguez's Chelsea future.
https://i.imgur.com/uuJ9lXL.jpg
The Spanish midfielder joined the Blues on a year-long loan from Atletico
Madrid last summer, with the club having an option to make the move
permanent at the end of the season.
That leaves his future uncertain beyond the end of the current campaign as
he awaits news of the decision, after having to be patient for his
opportunities in the team this season, making 21 appearances in total, 10
of them from the bench.
However, Tuchel feels now is not the time for big decisions and talks
about the future, with him and his team keeping their focus firmly on
finishing the current campaign as well as possible, while he has no
worries about the uncertainty affecting the ever-professional Saul.
'We will talk about it at the end of the season,' said our head coach.
'At the moment it's a bit of a difficult situation for him personally,
but what I like about him is that he still gives his input.
https://i.imgur.com/KQ8k2VO.jpg
'It is like this in team sports. Even if it does not make you happy, and
I'm sure that he is not happy about the situation, he is still pushing and
he is still positive and he takes care about the quality in training with
the group that does not play so much, which means a lot to me and means a
lot to the atmosphere in the dressing room and within the group that we
stay competitive.'
The German underlined the importance of Saul's attitude, feeling the way
he continues to be a positive part of the squad even when things aren't
going his way shouldn't be underestimated.
'I don't have a lot of good news for him when we talk about the line-up,
but he needs to stay involved mentally and physically,' added the boss.
'This is what he does, although it's not easy for him, and for this we are
very grateful.
https://i.imgur.com/rvqVfwC.jpg
Saul trains at Cobham
'We also demand it, but it tells us that he's a real sportsman. It's not
the moment now to talk about it, we still have to fight for direct
qualification for the Champions League and for the best possible outcome,
and we have a cup final to play. So we'll talk when it's time.'
Tuchel also discussed the chances of five members of the squad who missed
Thursday evening's 1-1 draw at Manchester United returning to the team
sheet for our next match, when we travel to Everton in the Premier League
tomorrow.
Speaking on Thursday in the aftermath of our draw in Manchester, Tuchel
confirmed that three injured players remain out of contention as they
continue their recoveries, while two more are doubtful due to illness.
'From the injured players, Ben Chilwell for sure will not play, of
course,' he explained. 'And for Mateo Kovacic it's too early, he has not
been in team training so far, he has not come back. Callum Hudson-Odoi is
the same as well.
https://i.imgur.com/2RdS0vu.jpg
Kovacic has been out of action since picking up an injury in the FA Cup
semi-final win over Crystal Palace
'Andreas Christensen is a maybe, let's see after he was ill, and it is the
same for Ross Barkley. We need to wait to see how they feel.'