‘Big question mark’: Tuchel says 22-year-old Chelsea player hasn’t been in team training, may not play tomorrow

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Thomas Tuchel admits that Kai Havertz might not be available for Chelsea to face Leicester City tomorrow.

Speaking in his press conference ahead of Thursday’s encounter at Stamford Bridge, Tuchel cast doubts over the fitness of his fellow countryman.

Havertz hasn’t played the last two games and wasn’t even on the bench for Saturday’s FA Cup final against Liverpool.

The 22-year-old’s last start in the Premier League was at the beginning of the month away to Everton.

He has since watched Romelu Lukaku take the reigns and score three times in two league outings.

However, Lukaku’s mini-run ended rather abruptly at Wembley, with the striker failing to have a single shot on target.

Who else along with Havertz could miss the Leicester City match?

Tuchel might give the Belgian another chance to redeem himself, especially as it’s still unclear whether Havertz will be able to challenge for the centre-forward role.

“Kai tried today in training. He did individual training yesterday, was not in team training so still a big question mark,” revealed the German coach.

Chelsea’s manager also had further updates on players who have been visiting the treatment room recently.

“Timo Werner is out with a hamstring,” continued Tuchel.

“Ben Chilwell was back in team training which was very, very good news yesterday and a big uplift for everybody and well deserved and so nice to see him back in training.

“But of course, he is not available for the match.

“Everyone could preview (Mateo) Kova had a swollen ankle after the (FA Cup final) match and did not train yesterday, so not sure he will be available.”

Chelsea’s walking wounded

Like Havertz, Werner missed the encounter with Liverpool, but was only named on the bench to make up the numbers.

Kovacic meanwhile had to fight through the pain of a bruised ankle, a wound sustained by the challenge that saw Leeds United’s Daniel James rightly receive a red card.

Easily the best news of them all is Chilwell returning to kick a ball around with the senior squad after such a long time.

The defender’s campaign ended prematurely when he damaged his anterior cruciate ligament against Juventus in November.

Whilst fans cannot expect to see him until next season, at least they know Chilly is on the right road to recovery.

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