Chelsea have suffered a major injury blow ahead of their trip to Newcastle United tomorrow afternoon.
The Blues are sat top of the Premier League after a superb start, but have Liverpool and Manchester City breathing down their necks.
Such is the quality at the top end of the league this campaign, any title contender can ill afford to drop points through fear of losing ground on their rivals.
For Chelsea, a trip to St. James’ Park is on the agenda for Saturday, a ground where the club have can mixed fortunes in the Premier League era.
Unfortunately for Thomas Tuchel and co, they’ll have to do it without Mateo Kovacic, who has suffered a muscle injury while training ahead of the game.
Tuchel confirmed to me that Kovacic is out injured with a hamstring injury too. He’s out until after the international break and Tuchel blames himself for pushing him too hard. #CFC
— Nizaar Kinsella (@NizaarKinsella) October 29, 2021
Thomas Tuchel confirms Mateo Kovacic is out with a hamstring injury 🤕
The Chelsea boss blames himself for pushing the midfielder too hard 😓#CFC pic.twitter.com/tVaJpH3xcO
— Hayters TV (@HaytersTV) October 29, 2021
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Chelsea do have Jorginho, N’Golo Kante, Saul Niguez and Ruben Loftus-Cheek in reserve. You’d like to think they could get the job done on the Toon regardless.
However, Kovacic has been their best player this campaign, one that doesn’t get nearly enough credit for his contributions in this fantastic Chelsea side.
Mateo Kovačić for Chelsea in the Premier League this season:
◉ Most chances created
◉ Most final ⅓ recoveries
◉ Most final ⅓ passes
◉ Most through balls
◉ Most duels won
◉ Most take-ons
◉ Most touches
◉ Most tackles
◉ Most assists
◉ Most passesYou get the idea. 😳 pic.twitter.com/qAQvCLxxFG
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) October 29, 2021
He will be a huge miss, make no mistake.