Thomas Tuchel has provided an update on the fitness of his Chelsea squad ahead of the club’s trip to Southampton this weekend.
Chelsea travel to face the Saints looking to bounce back from consecutive defeats to Brentford and Real Madrid, with the west Londoners having been uncharacteristically vulnerable in the back-to-back losses.
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Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Tuchel provided an update on his squad ahead of Saturday’s clash at St Mary’s and confirmed that Romelu Lukaku and Hakim Ziyech are both doubts.
“Callum Hudson-Odoi is still out and we are in a bit of doubt over Romelu [Lukaku] and Hakim Ziyech,” Tuchel said.
“They did not train on Thursday due to little problems but we need a test and confirmation at training to see if they are available for tomorrow.”
Tuchel spoke further on Hudson-Odoi’s situation, with the winger having missed Chelsea’s last five Premier League fixtures with an Achilles issue.
The Chelsea boss opened up on the 21-year-old’s frustrations after being sidelined during a promising period of the season, having impressed during the Blues’ Club World Cup win in February.
“It doesn’t look so good at the moment. It is not a matter of days but weeks. He started in the World Club final and had an assist in the that final.
“He was crucial on the left side, sometimes as a wing-back, but most of the time as a winger. He was growing into the season but suddenly it stopped. It is not his fault but it is an upset.”
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