Tuchel Ready To Play Pulisic As Chelsea Face Malmo In Champions League

JAKARTA - Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel confirmed Monday that he will field midfielder Christian Pulisic, who has recovered from a long-term injury, for Tuesday's Champions League group game against Malmo. Meanwhile, Mason Mount had to be sidelined because he was still injured.

Pulisic, the 23-year-old USA international has not played since the Premier League open in August due to an ankle problem. Mount was part of the squad for the 3-0 win at Newcastle United last Saturday but had to be taken off on the night of the match.

"Mason isn't feeling better, it's not COVID. He's just sick ... the good news is Christian Pulisic is back in the squad for tomorrow," Tuchel said.

Strikers Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner plus midfielder Mateo Kovacic are also still sidelined through injury.

Chelsea beat Malmo 4-0 at Stamford Bridge last month and Tuchel said they are in a "good place" following a recent result that left them unbeaten in six games in all competitions since being beaten by group leaders Juventus in September.

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"We know what it takes to get a result like this, the effort we have to put in. At the same time, we set the standard we set in every game so tomorrow we will start again from scratch," said the German.

"This is the fifth or sixth game in a row where we are considered favourites and I like how my team considers this game. We put a lot of effort and intensity there."

Tuchel then praised the performances of full-backs Reece James and Ben Chilwell who scored a total of seven goals. James is currently the club's top scorer for the season, level with Lukaku who has four goals.

"You need a consistent goal-scoring threat from your strikers because they will do what they have to do. But the statistics will look different if you count full-backs as midfielders," he said.

"I wouldn't call them defenders. They have to defend but also be free in attack."

Chelsea trail Juve by three points in Group H while Malmo are bottom of the table without points after three games.