News

Tuchel confirms Chelsea duo unlikely to feature against Spurs, including £12m man

Add as preferred source on Google

Thomas Tuchel confirmed that Kurt Zouma and Kai Havertz would both likely miss Chelsea’s Premier League trip to Tottenham Hotspur tomorrow.

He spoke during his press conference that was broadcasted on the clubs YouTube channel about any squad news going into the London Derby.

“We had two issues on the training ground. Kurt Zouma and Kai Havertz went off the pitch with little issues,” he said.

“They checking images right now and it’s questionable if they are in the squad tomorrow. Everyone else is available.”

This will be a big blow to both players considering the roles they’ve found themselves in under Tuchel.

Zouma has dropped down the defensive pecking order after Frank Lampard removed the £12 (BBC Sport) from his starting line-up, having previously picked him on a regular basis.

FBL-ENG-FACUP-CHELSEA-LUTON
Photo by DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS/AFP via Getty Images

Tuchel has now introduced a back three but has opted for Cesar Azpilicueta and Antonio Rudiger instead of Zouma.

There was meant to be a second coming for Havertz upon the arrival of Chelsea’s new coach.

FBL-ENG-PR-CHELSEA-BURNLEY
Photo by ANDREW COULDRIDGE/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

His struggles have been well documented and it was the task of Tuchel to transform him back to the young marvel they bought him as last year.

These absentees may not affect Tuchel’s starting team selection too much, but it will limit his options off the bench, which is of some concern.

The Chelsea Chronicle View

It really is going from bad to worse for Havertz at the minute. First contracting COVID, then hitting a rough patch of form and now this.

A game against Spurs could’ve been the perfect opportunity to prove himself but that has been torn away from him.

As for Zouma, I’m extremely fearful of his future at Stamford Bridge.