Injury Update: Mateo Kovacic is back in training for Chelsea
As per the pictures from live team training via Football.London, Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic is back in first-team training and indications are that the Croatian international will be back in contention for selection sooner rather than later.
Talking about his return (h/t Football.London), Kovacic expressed his happiness of being back on the pitch after missing out for two weeks. The 28-year-old shared how he worked hard in the gym in order to get in shape and is now looking forward to what’s coming.
Chelsea had N’Golo Kante and Kovacic missing from the Leeds United game, and they felt the absence of these two midfield stalwarts. Manager Thomas Tuchel must be a happy man to see at least one of them being back in training and looking in good condition.
Speaking to the 5th Stand App (h/t Football.London), the Croatian internal admitted that he is now ready to go. Chelsea fans will have a sigh of relief knowing that their stellar midfielder is now back in the reckoning.
It’s nice to be back on the pitch after missing two weeks. Tough to come back but it’s very nice to come back with the boys on the pitch and I cannot wait for what’s coming.
I hated it [being on the sidelines] and it was tough but the injury gives you something to improve more on the other side. I Improved more in the gym a little bit and I did some extra work, so I now feel good to go.
Kovacic is yet to make a Premier League appearance so far this season, after missing the last two games and sitting on the bench for the opening day win over Everton. The Blues play Leicester City next on Saturday. It remains to be seen whether the Croatian will be fit enough to make the squad for that game.
If not, then the game away to Southampton on Tuesday night could be the one where we see the midfielder in action, either from the start or the bench.
With Chelsea not signing a midfielder thus far in this transfer window, and it doesn’t look likely that they will, having players back in that department will be a relief not just to the manager, but also to the owner Todd Boehly.
In fact, speaking after the Leeds game, Tuchel more or less quashed the question of whether this team needs a midfield addition.
More Chelsea News:
- Transfer News: Crystal Palace unlikely to sanction a sale for Chelsea target Wilfried Zaha
- West Ham United are plotting a loan move for Chelsea star Conor Gallagher
- Frenkie de Jong likely to stay at Barcelona amid Chelsea interest
Irrespective, welcoming Kovacic is a great sign for all Chelsea fans. The Croatian is a hard-working player with great quality on the ball and always gives his all for the team. Hopefully he will be back with a bang.
