TUCHEL WARY AS COVID HITS

CHELSEA and Spurs have both been hit by Covid cases with the Premier League set for a fresh wave heading into the Christmas period.

And if Spurs are landed with any more, their crucial Europa Conference League match with Rennes could be in danger.

Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel revealed yesterday Mateo Kovacic had tested positive – a day after returning to training.

Spurs are understood to have had six players and two staff with positive tests. Boss Antonio Conte is expected to confirm today his preparations for all of the club’s preChristmas fixtures have been disrupted.

More PCR testing is due to take place at the club’s Enfield HQ over the next 24 hours. Spurs’ Rennes clash is followed by a Premier League trip to Brighton on Sunday.

Under UEFA rules, if they have 13 available players, including a keeper, from their 25-man A list, they must fulfil the Rennes fixture which they need to win to stand a chance of qualifying for the final 32.

The game could be postponed if they don’t have sufficient numbers but all group matches must be completed by December 31.

Tuchel, who takes his Blues to Zenit St Petersburg in the Champions League tonight, said: “I was aware this can happen.

“I am not happy it is happening as a manager and person. But this is the reality at the moment and we have to be ready to adapt to secure people’s health. We have to do the best thing possible to avoid transmission.”

Kovacic had missed eight games due to injury. Tuchel added: “It was pure pleasure to have Mateo back. But he tested positive and is isolating.”