Chelsea’s first game of the new Champions League campaign will kick off tomorrow evening in Stamford Bridge. The reigning champions face Zenit St Petersburg in what is an important week in the club’s season.

To read a preview for the match, click here – Chelsea v Zenit St Petersburg – Preview, Team News, Betting

Manager Thomas Tuchel has now spoken in a press conference as his team prepares for the game. He told the media that talismanic midfielder Ngolo Kanté and American wunderkind Cristian Pulisic will not be fit for the game.

Thomas Tuchel has ruled out N’Golo Kante and Christian Pulisic for tomorrow's match versus Aston Villa. #CHEAVL pic.twitter.com/KnCzbSzcDI

— Chelsea FC USA (@ChelseaFCinUSA) September 10, 2021

Kanté picked up his injury in the Blue’s 1-1 draw with Liverpool in Anfield before the international break. The 30-year-old hurt his ankle in a tackle with Fabinho after 40 minutes, this forced him off at halftime.

This is a major setback for the Frenchman as he is only just after coming back from a knock at the start of the season in the UEFA Super Cup final.

Pulisic sustained a knock in a USA national team match against Honduras. Similar to his French teammate, he ended up with an ankle injury after a strong collision with an opponent.

Neither player’s injuries seem too severe and they will probably be back on the pitch or the bench for Chelsea at the weekend.

Blues. pic.twitter.com/Jgn4hiALGG

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) September 12, 2021

Thankfully for Tuchel, he has no other injury worries in the squad. Midfielders Hakim Ziyech and Callum Hudson-Odoi have fully recovered from small injuries they received last month and have been training with the squad for some time.

This is a busy week for the club as they face Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, the boss will want a full squad to choose from as he goes into an important part of the season.

The post Chelsea injury update: Kanté and Pulisic still out appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

American winger Christain Pulisic has been missing from training for the last two days. The 22-year-old scored a goal in the 3-0 over Crystal Place on Saturday but manager Thomas Tuchel has announced that he has tested positive for Covid-19.

As it stands no other players have contracted the virus and the American is expected to miss Chelsea’s next two fixtures. Fortunately, the winger is in good health and is recovering safely at home.

English midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek also tested positive for the virus after the club’s Super Cup victory last Wednesday. He will likely miss the game on Sunday but will be back in contention next week.

Opening weekend goal for Christian Pulisic.

Captain America things pic.twitter.com/SmOO5MgHJp

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) August 14, 2021

Other injury concerns for the team have been midfielders Ngolo Kante and Hakim Ziyech. Both players played valuable roles in the Super Cup victory.

During the match, Ziyech was substituted off with a shoulder injury. He will now be returning to training in the next few days.

Understandably, he will be rested on the match on Sunday as to not worsen the knock but he may be fit for a substitute appearance.

Kante has been one of the most important players in Tuchel’s side. He received an ankle injury towards the end of the final after a rough challenge.

The French man has already returned to training and is likely to play on Sunday.

News: Hakim Ziyech and N'Golo Kante were both involved in @ChelseaFC's training today as they return from injury . #CFC

[VIA @ChelseaFC] pic.twitter.com/qFs5GdgzGG

— CHELSEA NEWS (@MRChelsea_news) August 19, 2021

Tuchel will have a strong list of players to choose his squad from including the new signing Romelu Lukaku. If Chelsea can keep their injury list small then they may be one of the favorites for the title this season.

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