Blow for Chelsea as 22-year-old forward set to miss Arsenal tie after Covid-19 diagnosis

Chelsea will be without Christian Pulisic for the London Derby on Sunday

According to The Athletic (Subscription Required), Christian Pulisic will not play a role for Chelsea in their London derby against Arsenal on Sunday after he tested positive for Covid-19. 

Ahead of the game on Sunday, Tuchel spoke in the press conference and confirmed the player’s absence. He said:

“Christian (Pulisic) is unfortunately pretty easy to explain: he had a positive test and needs to follow the protocols. He’s not in training and not available for the game (against Arsenal).”

Pulisic himself confirmed the news later on his official Instagram page and gave an update on his illness to the Chelsea fans.

“Unfortunately, I tested positive for COVID-19 earlier this week. Thankfully I’m fully vaccinated, and I have no symptoms so far.”

According to the UK Government guidelines, Pulisic will be out for 10 days as that will be the period of his isolation. This confirms that the former Borussia Dortmund winger is out for the game against Arsenal this weekend.

The American has started the season for the West London outfit in pretty good form as he was one of the decisive penalty takers in Belfast during the UEFA Super Cup final against Villarreal, which the Blues eventually won. 

The 22-year-old was then named in the starting line-up against Crystal Palace last weekend, where he scored the second goal of the game as Chelsea won the game 3-0. 

The American’s injury will not come as too much of a blow for the Blues as they already have the likes of Kai Havertz, Mason Mount as well as Hakim Ziyech as possible replacements, with the latter having returned to full training after recovering from his injury.

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The Blues will be looking for a win while the fans will be aiming to have a look at the club’s new signing in Romelu Lukaku, who is also fit for the game on Sunday.