Ahead Of Zenit Vs Chelsea, Mateo Kovacic Positive For COVID-19

Mateo Kovacic (Twitter @chelsea)

JAKARTA - Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic has tested positive for COVID-19 ahead of their final Champions League group game against Zenit St Petersburg. Meanwhile, four other players were injured.

Kovacic has returned to play for the first time since October after recovering from a thigh injury that has ruled the Croatia midfielder out of Chelsea's last eight games in all competitions.

"Mateo trained yesterday with a big smile and (very) happy he's back, but he tested positive for COVID-19 today and is in quarantine," coach Thomas Tuchel told reporters ahead of Thursday's match, quoted by Antara.

"I am aware this (more cases of COVID-19) could happen and I am not happy, not only as a coach but personally. However, this is the reality today, so we have to be ready to adapt and maintain public health."

Apart from being left by Kovacic, Chelsea also still has to play without Ben Chilwell, N'Golo Kante (both knee injuries), Trevoh Chalobah (thigh injury), and Jorginho (back problem) for the match against Zenit.

Tuchel said the cause of his players' injuries was a hectic schedule, with the team set to play six more games in all competitions this month after their return from Russia.

"Because of injuries in several positions, such as central midfield, we struggled, but tomorrow's game will be fine," added Tuchel.

"The problem is the next game on Saturday (against Leeds United) because we will lose time to sleep, arriving early on Thursday ... Then we face a strong team in Leeds who have prepared to play this game."

Some fitness updates from the boss... 🤕#UCL

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) December 7, 2021

Chelsea has already qualified for the last 16 of the Champions League and has the same 12 points as Juventus at the top of Group H.

The London club could finish as group winners if they match or get better results than Juventus against Malmo.