Tuchel worried by Chilwell injury after Chelsea’s rout over Juve
Thomas Tuchel has admitted fears over Ben Chilwell’s knee injury in Chelsea’s 4-0 Champions League demolition of Juventus.
Chilwell and N’Golo Kante hobbled out of Chelsea’s thumpingofJuventusatStamford Bridge, with both picking up knee concerns.
ChelseabossTucheladmittedhopingforthebestonboth counts,butconcededEngland wing-back Chilwell has the more concerning complaint.
Trevoh Chalobah, Reece James, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Timo Werner struck to sinksorryJuventus,whowere unable to live with the rampant Blues.
Now Chelsea will be left to sweat on France midfielder Kante and England star Chilwell’s availability for Sunday’s Premier League clash with Manchester United.
WhenquizzedonChilwell’s injury, Tuchel replied: “Yes, it worries me because he has been in such a fantastic moment, like Reece James on the other side. They have both been in the best shape they could possibly be, so full of confidence and playing with such quality.
“He(Chilwell)wasinalotof pain at the time on the pitch; now he feels a little better but he will have examinations. Hopefully, we will get away withnottoobadnews.Andit’s asimilarsituationwithN’Golo Kante, who twisted his knee a little bit, but hopefully it’s not too bad for N’Golo.”
Defending champions Chelsea secured safe passage to the knockout phase with theirheftywinoverJuventus.
Bullish wing-back James becameChelsea’soutrighttop scorerwithhisfifthgoalofthe season,toaddtofiveassistsso far this term.
Chelsea’s first three goals werescoredbyacademygraduates, with the club’s Cobham youth set-up continuing to produce the goods for the first team.
Delighted German boss Tuchel insisted the homegrown element of Chelsea’s squad boast a crucial role in the current success. “The crowd loves it when the academy players score and I’m absolutelyconvincedthateverybody loves it,” said Tuchel.
“This is what makes this team special, not only the superstars from abroad but also the guys from the academy, who are full of quality and very humble. It’s their biggest dreamtoperformatStamford Bridge. It’s so nice to see them partofit,it’sanotherexcellent day for the academy, and full credit to them.”