Chelsea head coach Thomas Tuchel has confirmed that attacking duo Callum Hudson-Odoi and Romelu Lukaku have tested negative for Covid-19 ahead of the Premier League clash against Aston Villa on boxing day.
The duo tested positive for the virus last Thursday. They were expected to be isolated and out of action for at least 10 days. But due to the change in the British government rules, anyone who tests negative on the sixth or seventh day of their isolation is free to stop isolating.
Chelsea manager talking to the press on Wednesday said:
“If I understood it correctly, we need a negative test and we have negative tests for Romelu, Callum and Ben Chilwell. Ben Chilwell will not be involved against Aston Villa.
“The other two will be on the pitch tomorrow if they are again negative tomorrow. Then, we need to see, they have been ill and have symptoms but we will see.
“It is a Premier League game at one of the toughest places where you can play in Aston Villa. It is good news, don’t get me wrong but I am not over-excited now because I know I need to check how they are.”
Callum Hudson-Odoi and Romelu Lukaku to be involved in Chelsea’s boxing day fixture?
As confirmed by Thomas Tuchel that both players tested negative on Wednesday. Both the player trained with the first team on Thursday. The fitness of both the player still remains a question. But they could be fit enough to be on the bench for the boxing day clash. They could even feature off the bench if called upon.
Thomas Tuchel also confirmed that left-back Ben Chilwell also tested negative for the virus. But the England international still remains on the sidelines due to his injury. German duo Timo Werner and Kai Havertz also tested positive for Covid-19 and are major doubts for the boxing day clash against Aston Villa.
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