Thomas Tuchel admits he is to blame after Chelsea’s Mateo Kovacic was injured in training yesterday.
Midfielder Kovacic, who has already provided five assists for the Blues, has been ruled out of tomorrow’s Premier League trip to Newcastle.
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Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner remained on the sidelines, and while Christian Pulisic is back in training he will not participate in the Northeast.
Asked about Kovacic, Tuchel said: “Very sad news but he cut himself in the last training yesterday. He has a hamstring injury and she will be out for a few weeks actually.
“He will be out next week for sure and then the international week. So, at least during these weeks and then hopefully after the international break he can come back.
“He’s been doing a lot of training so maybe that’s my fault, but maybe he describes Matthew where you can call Matthew at 3 in the morning and call him up for tactical training, for defensive training, for set-piece training or just call him and he’ll be there smiling.
“He’s happy to do what he’s required to do. He’s a great guy, he’s a great team player.
“I was a big fan of him when he played for Real Madrid and I remember the El Clasicos and I can feel there is a lot of potential.
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“The guy has a big heart for football and a passion for coaching. It is a pleasure to be his coach.”
But Tuchel, whose team was in good shape, admitted that he tuned out the Croatian star’s performance.
He added: “What we do is encourage him and simplify his game a little bit and not always look for the third or fourth solutions because the first or second solutions are good.
“He always thinks of others and will pass the ball to the goal for someone to score. I am happy to have him.
“He made a big step in improving the stats and participating in assists.
“He can still improve the timing and composure on the last pass. We try to make him confident and make his game easier.
“It is a pleasure to have brave men in the matches.”
Tuchel confirmed that Pulisic, who was discharged with an ankle injury, will face Burnley next Saturday.
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