Tuchel gives an update on Chelsea squady ahead of Dinamo Zagreb game.
Speaking in the press conference ahead of Chelsea’s next game against West Ham United (h/t Football.London), Blues manager Thomas Tuchel offered his update on squad’s injury condition, saying that Reece James and Ruben Loftus-Cheek are back, while N’Golo Kante remains the only one out.
Chelsea missed the presence of Loftus-Cheek in the middle and James in the wing-back department in the defeat against Southampton on Tuesday. Having them back would be a welcome boost for the manager, whose playing style needs players like the latter being available.
Meanwhile, when asked about the potential availability of new signing Denis Zakaria, Tuchel confirmed that the player is yet to receive the work permit. It means the Swiss international won’t be in the squad against West Ham, but will be available for the first Champions League game this coming Tuesday.
Talking about the injuries (h/t Football.London), here’s Tuchel:
They’re back in training and are both available. So in the moment, it’s only N’Golo out. Everyone else is available. We had a group of 19 players [in training]. Then it will be 21 players with Auba and Denis.
After a less-than-average start to the season, where they have got seven points from five league games thus far, Chelsea would be looking to return to winning ways when facing the Hammers at Stamford Bridge.
Having players back would be a boost for the manager, who is under pressure now following a massive spending spree in the transfer window.
The addition of Zakaria in the long-term would mean the absence of Kante would not be felt in every game. Moreover, having a striker in Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in the squad would add goals and a different level of threat to the opposition defenders.
West Ham will be a tough game irrespective of the fact that the Hammers haven’t had a very glowing start to the season themselves. David Moyes always comes up with cunning game plans for the big games.
After this game, Tuchel and Chelsea will kickstart their Champions League campaign with a trip to Dinamo Zagreb in their opening group-stage encounter.
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