Chelsea manager, Thomas Tuchel with Callum Hudson Odoi and Timo Werner. (OneFootball Licensed Images)
Speaking in his pre-game interview, as quoted by The Athletic (Subscription Required), Thomas Tuchel revealed that Kai Havertz is awaiting his test results after four Chelsea players tested positive for Covid-19 before facing Everton.
The Blues had to settle for a draw on Thursday night following a disappointing performance against the Toffees. However, Tuchel had to make some last-minute changes to the starting line-up after four players tested positive for Covid-19.
Mateo Kovacic was the first player to suffer the disease about 10 days ago. Romelu Lukaku, Timo Werner, Callum Hudson-Odoi, and Ben Chilwell are the four players that have apparently contracted the illness. However, there was also concern about Havertz after the 22-year-old was also unavailable for the stalemate at Stamford Bridge.
Tuchel revealed concern over his fellow countryman before the game.
“Kai feels unwell. He is not positive yet, but we are waiting for test results, and we decided to not bring him to the squad. We did some extra tests at 12 o’clock today to make sure who would arrive at lunch. From there, we had to pick the team.
“Would it be the same line-up? I do not know. The situation started yesterday with the players feeling unwell and not training. We still have a strong squad, and one we want to push forward, and that should be able to compete. Like always, we focus on the guys who are there.”
In the end, we have been our own worst enemies. Going into a game without a recognized No 9 was not a good idea, but the match went ahead anyway. To be fair, both teams had their problems with Everton playing several inexperienced youngsters on the night.
The draw should be taken with a pinch of salt but there needs to be an assessment of the bigger picture. Lukaku, Werner, Havertz, and Hudson-Odoi have been some of our most crucial players going forward this season.
There is no exact return date for them but one would be hoping to have them by before the end of the year. Moreover, Chilwell was already nursing an injury while Lukaku was returning from one. Havertz and Hudson-Odoi have already tested positive previously, courtesy of which it is going to take an added toll on the players.
Thus, Tuchel needs to consider a lot of things before facing Wolves on Sunday. If the required players are not there, the club should consider appealing to the Premier League to call off the game. It is a dire situation, and although the fans shall suffer from this decision, everybody’s best interests need to be taken into account.
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