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Thomas Tuchel is expecting Mateo Kovacic to miss the FA Cup final on Saturday, May 14.
The Croatian was forced to leave the pitch against Leeds, after a battle with Dan James which led him to an ankle injury.
However, the German manager admitted the midfielder ‘ is in a lot of pain’ and is ‘very unlikely’ to be fit for the final.
Speaking via Irish Examiner post-match, the Blues’ boss stated:
“He has a swollen ankle and is in a lot of pain.
“For me, like I say, I’m not a doctor and we need to wait for the examinations, but’s very unlikely that he can play. It’s absolutely bad news for us on our perfect evening.
“If he misses it I’m very disappointed because he was a clear starter.
“I felt the team were very calm, very determined and very focused before the match and they delivered a performance to which we got used to over so many weeks.
“I’m very happy and it was necessary of course, given our situation and not only because we arrive now for a big match, but it’s very good to arrive for a match like Saturday with a calm mind.”
Chelsea will face Liverpool in the FA Cup final on May 14 at Wembley Stadium.
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