Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has, on Sunday, provided an update on the wellbeing of Mateo Kovacic, on the back of the club’s meeting with Crystal Palace.
Croatian international Kovacic was afforded his latest start this evening, as Chelsea set their sights on a spot in the finale of the FA Cup.
Unfortunately for club and player alike, though, the former Real Madrid man lasted just 25 minutes, before being forced to limp off with an unspecified injury problem.
Mateo Kovacic is replaced by Ruben Loftus-Cheek as we’re forced into an early change.
0-0 [25’] #EmiratesFACup
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) April 17, 2022
Speaking on the back of the action at Wembley coming to a close, boss Tuchel was therefore inevitably asked for an update on Kovacic’s wellbeing.
This comes with the Blues set to return to action in just three days’ time, when they welcome capital rivals Arsenal to Stamford Bridge for a Premier League clash.
If initial impressions are anything to go by, however, it appears altogether unlikely that Kovacic will be in any condition to feature, with the Croat’s ankle problem ‘not looking good’:
Tuchel on Kovacic injury: “He is in pain and the ankle is swollen. It’s a huge ankle right now. It does not look so good but let’s wait for the examination.” #CFC #FACup
— Adam Newson (@AdamNewson) April 17, 2022
Mount amongst the goals
Their midfield standout’s latest fitness woes aside, it of course proved an otherwise positive evening’s work for Chelsea on Sunday.
This comes with the Pensioners, just days on from being sent packing from the Champions League by Spanish giants Real Madrid, having bounced back, courtesy of a 2-0 triumph.
Goals on the part of Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Mason Mount proved enough to put Crystal Palace to the sword, setting up an FA Cup finale showdown with Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool.
As as you like
You can always bank on @England‘s Money Ma$e to deliver@ChelseaFC @masonmount_10#EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/nv9QOJsBsz
— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) April 17, 2022
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