Chelsea were dealt a blow last night, as midfielder Mateo Kovacic limped off with an injury during Croatia’s Euro 2020 qualifier against Wales.
The severity of the knock has yet to be confirmed by the club, though it could potentially see the 25-year-old ruled out for the Blues’ forthcoming clash against Newcastle in the Premier League this weekend if serious.
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Chelsea’s young midfielder Ethan Ampadu – currently on loan with RB Leipzig – also hobbled off during the match, which ended 1-1 thanks to goals from Nikola Vlasic and Gareth Bale.
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The news comes just days after N’Golo Kante was pulled out of France’s starting XI against Iceland after sustaining an injury whilst warming up for his country at the Laugardalsvöllur Stadium.
Kovacic has made five starts for the west Londoners this season, assisting once, but only featured for the last 10 minutes against Southampton prior to the international break, as Jorginho, Kante and Mason Mount were preferred in Frank Lampard’s midfield-three.
Blues fans are now concerned that the Croatian will be absent against Newcastle this weekend, with the club extremely lacking in central midfield if both Kovacic and Kante fail to return to fitness in time.
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Here’s what some had to say on Twitter…
Started the season with about 40 midfielders and have about 2 available to us now
