Chelsea have given themselves the ultimate confidence booster heading into tomorrow night's Carabao Cup clash with Southampton after t...
Chelsea have given themselves the ultimate confidence booster heading into tomorrow night's Carabao Cup clash with Southampton after thumpng Norwich City 7-0. The Saints travel to Stamford Bridge for the round of 16 clash with Thomas Tuchel eager to add more silverware to his collection.
Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner were both fresh absentees for the Canaries match, having limped off in the first half of the victory against Malmo on Wednesday. Positively, their absence had little impact on the Blues' performance. However, there are a few injury issues facing Thomas Tuchel ahead of a busy week.
N'Golo Kante
The midfielder has been a huge part of Chelsea's success under Tuchel and played in midweek as Malmo were beaten 4-0 in the Champions League. Tuchel gives update on Lukaku injury
Nevertheless, an issue reared its head in the aftermath with Kante missing the clash with Norwich completely after feeling some muscle tightness.
Simon Johnson of The Athletic revealed ahead of kick-off that the absence was simply a precaution, saying that if the game were tomorrow, Kante would be fit to play. Expected return date: Southampton (H) - Tuesday, October 26.
Romelu Lukaku
There were plenty of heads in hands as Lukaku limped from the field against Malmo. In the process of winning a first-half penalty, the record-signing twisted his ankle and was forced off. He was replaced by Kai Havertz who started in his place on Saturday. Prior to the Norwich match, Tuchel confirmed that he would be missing for at least a handful of games.
What Tuchel has said:
"Romelu twisted his ankle when he was fouled in the box and Timo has a hamstring injury, so it will take a while for both of them. "We need more examinations to be more precise but they will be out for some matches. "I can say they are out for tomorrow [Norwich] and they will be out for the Southampton game and from there we see what's next." Expected return date: N/A
Timo Werner
Just 20 minutes after Lukaku was forced off, Werner, who had slowly started to regain his form, pulled up with a hamstring injury, causing him to also miss the match with Norwich. Like Lukaku, a return date is yet to be given for the German but he will also miss the Southampton clash.
What Tuchel has said:
"Muscle injury and hamstrings for Timo. They will be some days out, I guess. "I can say they are out for tomorrow [Norwich] and they will be out for the Southampton game and from there we see what's next." Expected return date: N/A
Christian Pulisic
The American was a casualty of the season's first international break and although he appears to be returning to fitness, he wasn't involved against Norwich. Tuchel has confirmed that he has had a setback in his recovery and will almost certainly miss the Southampton clash but could be ready to face Newcastle on Saturday.
What Tuchel has said:
" Right now, we are very very close. "He was so close to come to team training last week but had a setback with pain. Nothing serious but serious pain. From there on we go. He is very impatient, he does everything. We see him suffer in every meeting. He is really suffering, he wants to be on the pitch and help us. Unfortunately, the injury takes it's time." Expected return date: Newcastle (A) - Saturday, October 30.
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