Tuchel blames himself for Kovacic injury as Chelsea boss names star who is his ‘game-changer’

Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel insists it is too early to rule either Mateo Kovacic or Hakim Ziyech out of Sunday’s Carabao Cup final, despite the pair both limping off in the 2-0 win over Lille in the Champions League.

The Blues were good value for their first-leg win over the French champions in the round of 16 tie at Stamford Bridge. Indeed goals in either half from Kai Havertz and Christian Pulisic puts Chelsea in great shape ahead of the second leg. That said, the bedrock was another firm defensive effort with Edouard Mendy never troubled.

You can see how the players for Chelsea rated right here – with two wise old heads shining brightest for the Blues.

Assessing the win for BT Sport, Tuchel hailed his side’s solid defensive effort.

“It’s an important win and another well deserved clean sheet,” Tuchel said. “It was hard work, they are a strong team. It would be a better result with the away goals rule.

“We had some good moments but we never gave any chances away. We were solid.

“Sometimes we were too deep, too passive. But look, we never conceded chances, kept the belief and the hard work. We fight, had some good moments and scored a very good second goal.”

Asked about injuries to Kovacic and Ziyech, Tuchel refused to rule either out of Sunday’s cup final at Wembley.

“I don’t know [if they will miss out]. I should have subbed Kova earlier at half-time. I didn’t see with Hakim, I have to speak to the doctor. It’s almost the story of our season.”

He continued: “It’s Tuesday now, we will see for Sunday. I hope the guys will be ready, but if not, we have other players who will be.”

Kante earns Tuchel praise

Tuchel also had plenty of praise for Kante after the game.

“He had real intensity in his game and it was great to see him play well. It was not the real N’Golo in the last matches – he stepped up today.

“It was good he stepped up today and you can instantly see the impact he makes. He is our game changer. He had a huge impact on the team.”

Havertz started the game ahead of Romelu Lukaku.

However, Tuchel was giving nothing away about his team selection at Wembley.

“Every game is different. The focus today was on intensity, a high speed game, hard work against the ball.

“Romelu is not only physically tired but mentally tired. Since the Liverpool game, he has started every match for us and played some extra time. It is like this. Today we went for three other players and Kai was in very good shape and brought high intensity to the team.

“For Sunday, we have four days to decide and recover.”

"Would be a better result with away goals!"

"It was not the real N'Golo in the last matches, it was good he stepped up today."

Thomas Tuchel reflects on a positive first leg vs Lille despite more injury worries popping up.

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— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) February 22, 2022

Kai Havertz turns thoughts to Sunday

Chelsea have another chance to win a trophy on Sunday when they tackle Jurgen Klopp’s side at Wembley.

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Chelsea lead the race for Raphinha from Leeds United with Barcelona falling short

Havertz, though, insists he cannot take his place for granted and is merely happy to help the side.

“We knew that it was a difficult game. They played good football and the first half was very difficult for us. Now it is half-time and the next game we have to win as well.

“I always give my best also in the Premier League, sometimes you have more luck, sometimes you don’t and I help where I can.

“It is good for me (playing advanced forward). We have a lot of good strikers so it is also good to have a change and not make it easy for the opposition. Today it worked good and I enjoy every forward position.

“We did not play our best football. We could not get the aggressiveness of the last few weeks but we won 2-0. And that is the most important thing. Sunday is another competition and we have to focus on that now.

“It is crazy, we have a lot of chances to win another trophy on Sunday, it will be a tough game. We will put all our strength together and hope we win this game.”

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