Football

Tuchel insists Kante will be fit for Champions League final despite injury scare against Leicester


Chelsea head coach Thomas Tuchel has stated that N’Golo Kante will be fit for his side’s clash in the UEFA Champions League final against Manchester City after he limped off in the Premier League game against Leicester City.
Kante was replaced by Mateo Kovacic in the first half after the French international could not continue his journey in the 2-1 win at Stamford Bridge.
Goals from Antonio Rudiger and Jorginho helped the Blues to climb above the Foxes on the Premier League standings as they leaped into third even after Kelechi Iheanacho’s late effort.
Tuchel, while speaking after the victory stated that the substitution was just a precautionary measure and had a ‘good feeling’ the World Cup winner would be available for the final Premier League game of the season at Aston Villa and the European showpiece.
When asked if Kante and Kai Havertz, (who was ruled out of the Leicester game with a slight hamstring injury), would be fit for the final two games, he said;
“I don’t know yet. We will check them tomorrow,” Tuchel told Sky Sports.
“I have a good feeling with NG [Kante], he said he felt something and didn’t want to risk a muscle injury.
“So I hope for Sunday, the same with Kai.”
The Blues’ triumph comes after the loss in the FA Cup final to the same opponents, courtesy of Youri Tielemans’ fabulous strike at Wembley.
Chelsea will attempt to win their second Champions League crown against Manchester City on May 29 but will first look to secure a top four place when they battle Aston Villa this Sunday.

Sammy Wejinya

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