Kovacic needs 'miracle' to be fit for FA Cup final, says Chelsea manager Tuchel

Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel said Mateo Kovacic will need a "miracle" to be fit for the FA Cup final against Liverpool after limping off injured during Wednesday's 3-0 Premier League win at Leeds United.

The Croatia international was on the receiving end of a dangerous challenge from Dan James in the 24th minute, and the Leeds winger was swiftly shown a red card. Kovacic attempted to play on but was substituted minutes later.

Kovacic now faces a race against time to be fit for Saturday's FA Cup final at Wembley, but Tuchel is not convinced the 28-year-old midfielder will be available.

"I tell you as a coach and not as an expert, but for me it is very unlikely he will play in the cup final," Tuchel said. "He tried to play another 15 minutes which was almost impossible, so now he has a swollen ankle and is in a lot of pain."

Kovacic has been a key player for Chelsea this season, providing drive and energy to the Blues midfield, and his presence in the team would make a major difference against a formidable Liverpool side.

"If he misses it I'm very disappointed - he was a clear starter. He is super hungry and determined and [was] excited to play this match," Tuchel said. "Of course, he is in fear now he will miss it. We will see. We need to wait. Maybe we have a miracle and we make it possible."

Kovacic's injury was the only sour note on a successful evening for Chelsea, with goals from Mason Mount, Christian Pulisic and Romelu Lukaku ending a minor slump and taking the club a step closer to securing a top four place and entry into next season's Champions League.

Chelsea are third in the standings on 70 points, four ahead of Arsenal and eight clear of Tottenham, who face each other at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on