Thomas Tuchel to miss Chelsea clash with Plymouth in FA Cup after testing positive for Covid just hours before kick-off

CHELSEA boss Thomas Tuchel has tested positive for Covid-19 just hours before his side’s FA Cup clash with Plymouth Argyle. The German, 48, will be absent from the touchline as his team take on the Pilgrims at Stamford Bridge. A Blues statement has confirmed that Tuchel is self-isolating at home, and hopes to join up […]

CHELSEA boss Thomas Tuchel has tested positive for Covid-19 just hours before his side’s FA Cup clash with Plymouth Argyle.

The German, 48, will be absent from the touchline as his team take on the Pilgrims at Stamford Bridge.

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Thomas Tuchel will be absent from the touchline this afternoon[/caption]

A Blues statement has confirmed that Tuchel is self-isolating at home, and hopes to join up with his side in Abu Dhabi next week.

Chelsea are set to fly out for the Club World Cup straight after today’s match.

The West Londoners have been hit hard by Covid-19 this season, with a number of players testing positive earlier in the campaign.

In his programme notes, Tuchel admitted that it has been useful to get a winter break in order to work with his players.

He wrote: “We have had a whole week to prepare for the match, which is unusual but also nice because we had time to prepare some tactical stuff and concentrate on a few aspects of our work.

“We are taking this game very seriously because it’s an important competition and we always want to compete on the best level possible.”

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The Blues have selected a strong starting XI, with Tuchel showing League One Argyle plenty of respect.

Kepa Arrizabalaga starts between the sticks, while Antonio Rudiger, Andreas Christensen and Malang Sarr make up the back three.

Captain Cesar Azpilicueta is at right wing-back, with Callum Hudson-Odoi on the left.

Jorginho and Mateo Kovacic line up in midfield, with Mason Mount, Romelu Lukaku and Hakim Ziyech making up a strong attack.

Chelsea will be up against former academy ace Jordan Houghton this afternoon.

The cultured midfielder, 26, enjoyed great success in the West Londoners’ academy, lining up alongside the likes of Ruben Loftus-Cheek during his years at Cobham.

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Plymouth Argyle are in town hoping to spring a significant upset[/caption]