“He has not trained with the team”: Chelsea’s Matteo Kovacic Set To Sit Out Real Madrid-Semi-Final

The Chelsea midfielder has already been ruled out for his side’s upcoming contest at the weekend

Be it Frank Lampard or Thomas Tuchel, Matteo Kovacic has emerged as one of Chelsea’s most consistent and flawless performers over the last two years.

Chelsea’s player of the season last year, Kovacic has fitted like a glove takes a hand under Tuchel’s tutelage as well. His ball handling capabilities and ability to turnover possession have seen him become an instrumental part of Tuchel’s modus operandi.

His ever growing stature at the London based club is what makes the Croatian ongoing injury woe a searing headache for Chelsea, On the injury bed at the moment, Kovacic who is already ruled out of Chelsea’s clash with West Ham could end up missing the club’s Champions League semi-final as well.

Kovacic Sidelined With Hamstring Injury

Speaking ahead of his side’s weekend contest, Tuchel spoke about Kovacic’s injury. The German was quick to note that Kovacic was yet to return to training and could fail to make the cut for the team’s showdown with Real Madrid.

“I think Madrid could be very close, but obviously he has not trained with the team,” said Tuchel.

“When should this happen? Tomorrow is the game, then we have two more days to prepare for Real Madrid for the semi-final of the Champions League.”

Kovacic’s loss will be a colossal blow to Chelsea owing to the midfielder’s understanding of Real Madrid. The midfielder had ended up lifting three Champions Leagues with the La Liga club, a period which saw him get a real look at the club’s gameplan.

Its an acumen which could have helped Chelsea fruitfully come the matchup next week. Chelsea are set to deploy a midfield partnership of Jorginho and Kante if Kovacic misses out.

The club will meanwhile turn its attention to its London derby with West Ham first. The clash is a crucial one for either side with both the clubs in which a chance of qualifying for the top 4.