Thomas Tuchel and his Chelsea side are gearing up for the final game of a long season in the Premier League. The Blues had led the way early in the campaign, but fell off the pace as the games continued.
The season as a whole has been a mixed bag for the German coach, who has at least already secured Champions League football for next season. The campaign will sign off with the side winning the European Super Cup and the Club World Cup, but with two defeats on penalties to Liverpool in domestic cup finals.
Discussing the past year, Tuchel said in his pre-match press conference: "It was very challenging but at the same time, it was also demanding but also a lot of fun. This is a pure pleasure to be in the middle of it and still have the chance to guide the team and to be a part of it. So it is fine. We always try to adapt and find solutions."
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Heading into the clash with already-relegated Watford on the final day at Stamford Bridge, the manager has a few issues to deal with in his squad. With that said, here’s a look at the injury worries ahead of the game.
Andreas Christensen
The defender was absent from the FA Cup final, pulling out on the morning of the tie, with Tuchel suggesting that he was unsure if the Dane would be available for the clash with Leicester City. He ended up missing out on the game, not named as part of the squad.
What Tuchel has said: "I'm not sure yet if he is involved tomorrow [Thursday] or on the weekend. Andreas came in the morning of the match to inform me, to speak to me. He told me he was not ready to play the match, to start the match and be on the bench. He had his reasons. They stay private and confidential."
Expected return date: N/A
Mateo Kovacic
The midfielder picked up an ankle injury against Leeds, but managed to soldier through the FA Cup final against Liverpool. Following that game, the Croatian was left out of the squad against Leicester City.
What Tuchel said: "Mateo with one or just half a training session. Everybody could see that Kova had a big swollen ankle after the match and did not train yesterday. So I'm not sure he will be available."
Expected return date: Watford (H) - May 22
Timo Werner
The Germany international was not part of the squad for the clash with the Foxes, just days after he missed out against Liverpool in the FA Cup final with a hamstring issue.
What Tuchel said: "Timo (Werner) is out with a hamstring injury."
Expected return date: Watford (H) - May 22
Callum Hudson-Odoi
Academy graduate Hudson-Odoi hasn’t featured for the Blues since a win over Luton in the FA Cup back in March. The youngster picked up an Achilles problem, that has caused issues ever since.
What Tuchel said: "He dropped out of the squad from one day to the other, more or less. Still, in individual training, progressing but not in team training. He will come early in pre-season like Chilwell to start a programme to be back on July 2 with team training."
Expected return date: Pre-season
Ben Chilwell
Chilwell underwent surgery on his torn ACL back in December but has stepped up his recovery this week. The England international last appeared for the Blues in their 4-0 win over Juventus in the Champions League group stage.
In positive news, the full-back has since returned to training, though won’t appear again this season.
What Tuchel said: "Ben Chilwell was back in team training which was very, very good news and a big uplift for everybody and well deserved. So nice to see him back in training. Of course, not available for the match"
Expected return date: Pre-season
