Chelsea boss Tuchel tests COVID positive ahead of FA Cup match vs Plymouth

Manager Thomas Tuchel tested positive for COVID-19, Chelsea announced ahead of their FA Cup game against Plymouth. The Blues might have to travel to Abu Dhabi for the Club World Cup without the German coach. 

Chelsea take on Plymouth in the FA Cup tie at Stamford Bridge, starting at 6 PM IST on Saturday and the Club World Cup semifinal on Wednesday. The final and third-place game is next week. 

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The club said, “The Chelsea head coach will now follow necessary self-isolation protocols and hopes to join up with the team in Abu Dhabi later next week.”

In Tuchel’s absence, assistant coach Arno Michels will take charge of the side. 

“He (Tuchel) was fully in charge throughout the whole week with the preparation for the game so he knows exactly what’s going on today. We will stay in touch with him during the game as well so it’s all good.” Michels said. 

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Against Plymouth, Chelsea made just one change from the team  that beat Tottenham before the winter break. Thiago Silva dropped out for Andreas Christensen. Kenedy, who was recalled from his loan spell at Flamengo in January, is on the bench for the Blues.

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Lineups: 

Chelsea: Kepa, Azpilicueta (c), Christensen, Rudiger, Sarr, Jorginho, Kovacic, Ziyech, Mount, Hudson-Odoi, Lukaku

Substitutes: Bettinelli, Sharman-Lowe, Alonso, Kenedy, Chalobah, Saul, Barkley, Havertz, Werner

Plymouth: Cooper; Edwards (c), Wilson, Scarr, Gillesphey, Grant; Camara, Houghton, Mayor; Garrick, Jephcott

Substitutes: Burton, Bolton, Broom, Hardie, Ennis, Lewis, Randell, Law, Craske