The moment Thomas Tuchel feared arrived in the 24th minute at Elland Road. Mateo Kovacic received possession from Mason Mount and attempted to spin away from pressure. Yet there was no escaping Daniel James. The Leeds United winger arrived at such pace and flew into his challenge with such velocity there was only one outcome.
Kovacic was caught just above the ankle by James' studs; the Chelsea midfielder's pain immediate and evident. As the Croatian rolled away, referee Anthony Taylor did the inevitable. James was shown a straight red card, much to the dismay of those Leeds supporters inside Elland Road. But there could be no argument.
There was no instant recovery from Kovacic. He received several minutes of treatment and while he did attempt to continue, it was to no avail. The 28-year-old hobbled off with less than half an hour played and his left ankle was immediately iced. With fewer than three days until the FA Cup final against Liverpool, that is a major concern for Tuchel, who was wary of his players suffering injury ahead of the contest.
