‘Big coach’ – Tuchel hoping ex-Chelsea boss Ancelotti is at Stamford Bridge

Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel is hoping Carlo Ancelotti can recover from Covid-19 in time to be on the touchline at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday.

The Italian did not travel with the rest of Real Madrid’s squad as he is still returning positive tests for the virus.

The 62-year-old is still planning to travel to London for Wednesday’s Champions League quarter-final first leg if he tests negative.

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Ancelotti’s absence would doubtless prove a blow to Madrid, but Chelsea boss Tuchel still hopes his counterpart can be in the dugout.

Tuchel missed Chelsea’s Club World Cup semi-final after a positive Covid test, but was able to jet out to Abu Dhabi in time to coach the Blues to their triumph over Palmeiras in the final on February 12.

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And the German insisted he could not wish that experience on any of his managerial colleagues.

Asked if Ancelotti’s potential absence could affect Madrid, Tuchel replied: “Well, it does, but nowadays you are in charge of media, of virtual help, so I’m pretty sure he can do the team talks and be in touch with players.

“But it’s always much better and nicer to be there and have direct influence.

“It’s what we as coaches love the most, to be in the middle of the group, constantly communicate not only with words, but also with a smile, a hug.

“I hope he still makes it, I have the information he