Harry Diamond
Thomas Tuchel admits the absence of Harry Kane makes it ‘easier’ for Chelsea ahead of the club’s London derby clash with Tottenham tomorrow evening.
Kane will be a notable absentee when Spurs host Chelsea in a huge clash between the capital rivals tomorrow, the forward currently sidelined after picking up an ankle injury in the defeat to Liverpool last week.
The England captain has been in superb form this season and sits second in the race for the Premier League’s Golden Boot with 12 league goals, in addition to leading the division for goals provided with 11 assists.
Tuchel has lavished praise on the 27-year-old who he regards as ‘the role model number nine’ in world football right now, and admits his side’s prospects have been boosted by Kane’s presence on the treatment table.
“It is always easier when Harry Kane is not playing,” said Tuchel at his pre-match press conference.
“He is one of the best number nines in the world and when he is in shape, he is maybe the role model number nine that every coach wishes for, in terms of work rate and ability.
“His goalscoring is outstanding. We assume he will not play but we will prepare for all cases.”
Chelsea currently sit eight in the Premier League after securing the first win of Tuchel’s reign by beating Burnley last weekend, the west Londoners six points adrift of fourth-placed Leicester in the race to secure Champions League qualification.
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