Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has provided updates on the injuries of Mateo Kovacic and N’Golo Kante at a press conference ahead of the FA Cup final with Liverpool.
Mateo Kovacic had recently returned from an ankle injury against Everton before Daniel James’ reckless tackle in the 23rd minute ended the game prematurely for the midfielder, the Leeds forward was shown a straight red card.
N’Golo Kante was injured against Manchester United at half Old Trafford and was substituted at half-time. he has missed three Premier League games.
Although both players have resumed training this week and hoping they will be 100% before the game tomorrow.
What did Tuchel say?
Speaking at a press conference today. Thomas Tuchel said the medical depart has given the green light for both players to train ahead of the FA Cup final.
Thomas Tuchel on Mateo Kovacic
“We tried today, actually. It’s pretty surprising to be in a situation where we can try it but Mateo wants to try it. The medical department gave the green light to try it. The ‘advantage’ is that the ligament is anyway torn from the last incident so there is no new injury but heavy pain, and was heavily swollen. We are hoping that maybe time is enough for him to make it. We will try in two and a half hours in training and we will know more about it.
“In the game, again he was very, very good and in general he stepped up this season again in his game. The qualities of him, the personality we have spoken about a lot. His dribbling, carrying the ball, and driving with it, is excellent. He’s a top team player, playing for many years for Real Madrid. He knows what it takes to put the ego aside and serve the team. This is what he is. Fantastic guy, and a fantastic player. We missed him too much this season, some injuries. We missed him for several weeks. At the same time, we missed Jorgi and N’golo, which cost us a little bit. Unfortunately, now he is so ambitious, has this injury before the FA Cup final. He has been excellent against Liverpool lately. We will try everything and see tomorrow.”
Thomas Tuchel on N’Golo Kante
“He is also trying. He tried yesterday in team training and trained more or less everything. Hopefully without a reaction. Was a reduced training session because of quite a long trip and the fatigue of traveling? Was not a high-intensity training session. We will try today with him. He is keen to make it. Hopefully, he makes it to training 100% so we can plan with him tomorrow, which would be good for us.”
Thomas Tuchel also reiterated the fact that he is willing to risk the two Midfielders on Saturday at Wembley against Liverpool.
He said: “It is the moment to take a risk, yeah.”
Thomas Tuchel and his players will seek to avenge their EPL Cup final defeat to Liverpool on 27th of February this year.
