Thomas Tuchel has given an update on Mateo Kovacic ahead of Chelsea’s Champions League semi-final first leg against Real Madrid.
Here’s what the German coach has said about the Croatian midfielder, who has been dealing with a hamstring injury in recent weeks.
“Me personally, I hope for Fulham [on 1 May],” Tuchel revealed in his pre-match press conference. “Don’t take it for granted, or that it is medical advice, it’s just my personal opinion.
“I think it’s maybe possible to be back against Fulham, between the Madrid games. I think Madrid could be close, he’s not trained with the team, to be realistic, tomorrow is a game, then two days to prepare for Madrid, without training, it will not happen, hopefully Fulham is a realistic target.”
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Tuchel’s optimism means Kovacic could be available for the vital second leg of the semi-final against Los Blancos, where both teams will battle it out on 5 May for a place in this season’s final.
This article was most recently revised and updated 3 years ago
