Thomas Tuchel revealed today that Chelsea will miss three players for their Premier League game against Leeds United at Elland Road on Sunday.
According to Thomas Tuchel Mateo Kovacic, N’Golo Kante and Broja Armando will miss Sunday’s game.
Mateo Kovacic is yet to play in the Premier League this season. He was an unused substitute in the game against Everton and missed the London derby against Tottenham through a knee injury. The Croatian international will miss the Leeds game too.
N’Golo Kante was injured in the game against Tottenham by Yves Bissouma and was replaced by Conor Gallagher.
Thomas Tuchel also confirmed that Broja Armando is also out of the trip to Leeds United because of injury.
What did Thomas Tuchel say?
Providing an update on Chelsea team news at a press conference ahead of the Leed game, Thomas Tuchel says: “Quite serious (N’Golo Kante injury). We’re talking about weeks. Not good news. We are disappointed and sad because N’Golo is super important and super fit. He will be out for weeks. Same with Armando (Broja). He will be out for days. Cannot come with us to Leeds.
“Mateo Kovacic as well, still out with knee problems. Christian Pulisic had problems but trained today. Let’s see.”
The Chelsea manager also revealed that watching the fight with Antonio Conte made him laugh.
The 48-year-old added: “Of course, we laugh! It is very important to laugh about ourselves. I was laughing in the dressing room. It was the heat of the match, for me, still not that bad. A handshake and too long, too heavy! I admit it. No harm was done. He’s from my side. He spoke Italian to me so I never know.
“We didn’t insult each other. I think the thing would have ended if there were not 20 people around us that make the thing look much worse than it was. You are right. If you react like this, you need to live with the reaction. Of course, I laughed at myself.
“I saw quite some (compilations). Everybody makes fun of me in the building as you can imagine but it’s okay!”
Reacting to the handshake incident, Thomas Explained: “I think it was passion between two men who fought for their team. It was not more. I hope they don’t make more out of it. Of course in the context, a hair pulling two minutes before. It’s not that big of a deal, for me. It was about passion and nothing more.
“He was fighting for his team, I was fighting for my team. As you hopefully felt before we played Tottenham last season with Conte, and now, I have nothing but biggest respect for him and this will not change because of that incident.”
Meanwhile, The FA had Thomas Tuchel and Antonio Conte following their conduct in the Chelsea and Tottenham game. Thomas Tuchel was fined £35,000 plus a one-match ban while Antonio Conte was fined £15,000.
