Thomas Tuchel offers injury latest ahead of Leicester clash

Thomas Tuchel provides brief on Mateo Kovacic, Kai Havertz, Timo Werner and Andreas Christensen along with Ben Chilwell return.

Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has offered an update on the state of his squad regarding injuries ahead of the visit of Leicester City to Stamford Bridge on Thursday night.

Both teams head into the tie with little to play for, with the Blues clinching Champions League football thanks to Newcastle’s win over Arsenal on Monday night, while Leicester’s ambitions are restricted to an eighth place finish.

Kai Havertz and Mateo Kovacic remain major doubts for the tie, Tuchel confirms. The former missed out on the FA Cup final due to a hamstring problem and Kovacic was substituted on the hour mark at Wembley after being rushed back with an ankle injury.

The German manager also provided the latest on Timo Werner who was unable to feature against Liverpool due to an ‘uncomfortable’ warm-up.

“Kai will try in training today,” stated Tuchel.

"“He was in individual training yesterday rather than with the team so there’s still a big question mark over him for tomorrow.“Timo is out with a hamstring problem. Kova had a big swollen ankle after the match and he did not train yesterday so it is unlikely he will be available tomorrow.”Via: Chelseafc.com"

Fans were also surprised to see defender Andreas Christensen’s omission from the squad for Sunday’s final.

His absence from even the substitute’s bench led onlookers to speculate if his heavily reported move away played a factor but Tuchel protested that was not the case:

"“Andreas came [to me] on the morning of the cup final and told me he was not ready for the match. He had his reasons, they will stay private and confidential, but it was not the first time.“It was very short notice before the cup final and even with other matches in the weeks before. He retains our support but it is probably unlikely [that he plays against Leicester]. But I have no prediction for tomorrow or the weekend.”Via: Chelseafc.com"

Ben Chilwell return provides silver lining for Thomas Tuchel and Chelsea

Providing solace for the Chelsea faithful and himself alike, Tuchel delivered the news that full-back Ben Chilwell had returned to training.

Pictured on social media back with the squad, Chilwell hasn’t trained since suffering an Achilles injury in November last year against Juventus.

Chelsea’s fall away from the title race has been largely attributed to the absence of the 25-year-old, who provides balance to a system that is heavily reliant on having two marauding wing-backs.

Despite his reappearance on the training ground, a return to face former side Leicester is a stretch too far.

“Yesterday Ben Chilwell was back in team training which was very good news and a big uplift for everyone,” Tuchel added.

"“It was very good news to see him back in training but of course he is out for the match. We are desperate to have Ben back next season because he’s one of our key players.“At the same time we will be very patient with him because it’s a big injury and he’s been out for a long time. We are very excited and looking forward to having him back.”Via: Chelseafc.com"

In relation to their opponents, the Foxes could welcome the return of Nampalys Mendy, Ricardo Pereira and Youri Tielemans. Meanwhile, Hamza Choudhury, Wilfred Ndidi and Ryan Bertrand remain unavalaible.