Thomas Tuchel could yet manage Chelsea at the Club World Cup
According to the Mirror, Chelsea could see head coach Thomas Tuchel join them in Abu Dhabi for the FIFA Club World Cup, with the German having an outside chance to join the team ahead of the final on Saturday.
Tuchel tested positive for Covid on Friday, which saw him miss the Blues’ 2-1 FA Cup win over League One side Plymouth Argyle as Chelsea progressed to the fifth round of the competition.
This Covid result also saw him ruled out of flying with his players and backroom staff to the Middle East, where the club are due to participate in the FIFA Club World Cup. As European club football champions, Chelsea face a direct semi-final test on Wednesday against Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal.
In Tuchel’s absence, assistant coach Arno Michels has been leading the team from the dugout. Michels was present for the FA Cup win the previous weekend, and will also take charge for the semi-final clash against Al-Hilal tomorrow.
Outside chance of return
Despite the Covid result, it is claimed that Tuchel could now face the possibility of making it in time to see his side in action at the Club World Cup as long as he returns a negative test by Thursday. In the event Chelsea makes it to the final, he could get clearance to manage his side for the showpiece event on Saturday.
The Blues will head into the semi-final as favourites to progress, taking on a side that currently sits 4th in the Saudi Arabian league. As last season’s Champions League and Super Cup winners, the odds are on Chelsea to make it to the final.
The chance for Chelsea to add a trophy early in the season presents itself this week, with the FIFA Club World Cup very much there for the taking. The Premier League side are favourites to win the competition, with their other opponents playing in leagues that are not as tough or physical as the English top-flight.
Michels has led the club ably in Tuchel’s absence, seeing them through to the fifth round of the FA Cup and continuing their quest for an FA Cup win by the end of the campaign. The club will be looking to win the trophy this year, after narrowly missing out on it last season.
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Tuchel’s animated presence will be sorely missed tomorrow against Al-Hilal, with the German a constant figure on the touchline for Chelsea in all their games. The infectious energy he brings to the pitch will be lacking in the semi-final clash.
However, the Blues will look to win the fixture tomorrow in a bid to see their manager back in action on Saturday, with the Chelsea coach expected to rejoin the team for the final if he presents a negative test later this week. There are a lot of parameters at play, but if all goes well, the London side can lift the Club World Cup this weekend with their manager in attendance. Given that we are here today only because of him, it seems part that he is available.