Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel says Mateo Kovacic could face “some weeks” on the sidelines after suffering a hamstring injury in training.
Kovacic has enjoyed an impressive season so far, scoring once and registering five assists in nine Premier League appearances.
The 27-year-old Croatia midfielder has started eight of those games but could now be ruled out until after the November international break in what is a fresh blow for Tuchel, who is already missing forwards Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner.
“We had very sad news on Thursday. He injured himself in the last minute of training,” Tuchel told reporters ahead of Chelsea’s trip to Newcastle on Saturday.
“He suffered a hamstring injury and will be out for some weeks. He will be out for the next week, for sure. Hopefully, after the international break he’ll be back.”
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Chelsea suffer blow as Kovacic faces ‘weeks’ out with injury
Asked about Lukaku and Werner’s injuries, as well as a possible return for Christian Pulisic, Tuchel added: “Timo and Romelu are still out because of their injuries.
“Christian Pulisic did join the last two training sessions but it’s early given the time he missed.
“Everybody else is available. Azpi (Cesar Azpilicueta), Ruben (Loftus-Cheek) and N’Golo (Kante) were back on the pitch so they will be with the team tomorrow and ready to play.”
More to follow…