Opponent Watch: Tuchel rules out two Chelsea players for Tottenham clash

Injury News: Chelsea rule out Marcos Alonso and Matteo Kovacic for Tottenham Hotspur tie

Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel was speaking at the press conference (h/t Football.London) before his team’s game against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.

The German manager got the better of Spurs each time last season- in the league and domestic cups- and would want to continue that record going forward. However, he would be without two players for the London derby at Stamford Bridge tomorrow.

Tuchel ruled out Mateo Kovacic with an injury. A smooth dribbler with the ball who has an eye for the killer pass on decisive occasions, the Croatian’s absence from the game could benefit Chelsea.

“[Kovacic] has issues with his knee, always a little bit of a reaction. We decided to take a step back and increase treatment time to reduce the stress that comes from training to have a normal reaction before we start again. Everybody else is available.”

He also confirmed that Spanish left-back Marcos Alonso, their left-back, is not in training and is trying to finalise a transfer to another club.

“He is not in training at the moment and trying to finalise his transfer, so he will not be available for the game.”

Alonso’s services are perhaps no longer required at the Bridge. Chelsea recently signed Marc Cucurella from Brighton & Hove Albion for a fee that could rise to £63million with add-ons.

Chelsea have the ever-reliable N’Golo Kante and Jorginho in midfield, and are boosted by the return of Conor Gallagher from his loan spell at Crystal Palace.

Spurs need to make a statement against the Blues at the Bridge. A win, perhaps, is what they should be going for.

Speaking after the 4-1 win against Southampton, captain Hugo Lloris spoke about the Lilywhites’ desire to maintain their same philosophy against the Blues this weekend.

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Perhaps what the France international wanted to convey was that Spurs would take the game to Chelsea just as they did against the Saints.