Thomas Tuchel has confirmed that he does not think that Mateo Kovacic will be available for Chelsea's FA Cup final match against Liverpool after he was forced off with an ankle injury. The Blues midfielder has been a crucial cog in Tuchel's team this season but he could not continue after a viscious tackle from Dan James, where the former Manchester United winger went in with his studs.
The Leeds star was shown a red card but Kovacic soon followed him off the pitch after attempting to continue, much to the chagrin of home supporters. It was not long before the Croatian's ankle was wrapped with an ice pack.
Chelsea boss said that Kovacic's injury would need to be assessed but the fact a substitution was required was an indicator it would be a difficult task to recover in time for Saturday. Particularly due to the swelling and pain his charge was suffering from.
