Tuchel hoping Kante completes trophy haul

Thomas Tuchel has backed N'golo Kante to complete his set of football's top prizes as Chelsea chase Champions League glory.

Kante, pictured, has lifted the Premier League with Leicester and Chelsea, and the World Cup with France, but Europe's top club crown has so far avoided him.

The 30-year-old will assume a pivotal role in Chelsea's semifinal second leg with Real Madrid at Stamford Bridge tonight, with the scores locked at 1-1 from the first encounter.

Blues boss Tuchel tipped Kante to drive Chelsea on once again, hailing the midfielder.

Asked if completing the set by winning the Champions League would elevate Kante's career to new heights, Tuchel said: "Where to? Where to elevate?

"The guy is a top guy, and he is the guy you need to win trophies, obviously, that's why we're so, so happy he's here.

"I was fighting for this player and dreaming about this player in any club I was coaching. And now he's my player.

"He's won every trophy except for the Champions League, hopefully he will do everything to get this trophy.

"For me he's an example, and an unbelievable input for any team in the world. He's key and he will be key [tonight], and I hope in the best way possible."

Mateo Kovacic has failed to shake off his hamstring injury in time for tonight's clash, but the ex-real Madrid midfielder is Chelsea's sole injury absentee.

Toni Rudiger will wear a mask to be able to play despite suffering a recent facial injury.

Chelsea's new No 10 Christian Pulisic will face his Stamford Bridge predecessor again when Eden Hazard returns to west London this evening.