Antonio Rudiger is in line to feature for Chelsea against Real Madrid in the second leg of the semi-final contest come Wednesday, confirmed Thomas Tuchel, but Mateo Kovacic looks certain to miss out with a muscle injury still not nursed fully.
The Blues are due to face Zinedine Zidane’s men in the midweek fixture at Stamford Bridge with Tuchel’s side enjoying the advantage of an important away goal secured in last week’s stalemate in Madrid.
Speaking to reporters ahead of the match, according to reports from The Sun, Tuchel clarified that Rudiger was in contention to play in the upcoming match albeit with a mask to safeguard his facial injury but Kovacic was bound to be sidelined once again following the Croatian midfielder having suffered another niggle.
“For Toni, he can play with a mask, so it’s just about getting used to it.
“For Kovacic he felt something. It’s very likely he will not make it.
“But I’m very happy to arrive with this group in the semi-final. We feel ready for a big fight.”
Chelsea were last seen in action against Fulham in Premier League football over the past weekend in a home fixture in which the west London giants cruised to a comfortable 2-0 victory over the relegation favourite visitors.
Kai Havertz was the main man for Thomas Tuchel’s side last time around with the German international attacker netting a brace to command the Blues to a much-important win in their quest to seal a top-four finish.
