Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel confirmed a major injury setback for his side with Antonio Rudiger and Mateo Kovacic both sidelined for the forthcoming West Ham clash.
The Blues would be eyeing a much-needed return to winning ways to keep their top four hopes in the reckoning after a 4-2 defeat to North London giants Arsenal last time around.
Speaking to the reporters in his pre-match presser ahead of Sunday’s matchup against West Ham United, Tuchel said that both Rudiger and Kovacic remain on the sidelines and would not play any part in the weekend clash.
‘Both of them are not back for Sunday’s match, but also no other [new] injuries.’
Rudiger’s absence is set to come as a blow for Tuchel’s side who were caught out time and again in the defeat to Arsenal with the Germany international centre-back watching from the sidelines as Chelsea’s backline crumbled under pressure.
The likes of Andreas Christensen and Cesar Azpilicueta were at fault for letting Arsenal score and secure the three points to move ahead of Chelsea in the race to cement a top four berth.
