Thomas Tuchel hoping Carlo Ancelotti can be on touchline at Stamford Bridge

Thomas Tuchel hopes Carlo Ancelotti can shake off his positive Covid test in time to be on the touchline for Chelsea’s Champions League clash with Real Madrid on Wednesday.

Real’s former Chelsea boss Ancelotti did not travel with Madrid to London on Tuesday, as he continues to return positive coronavirus tests.

The 62-year-old still hopes to return a negative test in time to fly to London for Wednesday night’s Champions League quarter-final first leg at Stamford Bridge.

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.

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 will try to arrive in the evening. He’s a big, big coach, big personality, it would be nice to have him on the sideline in these kinds of games.”

Mateo Kovacic boasts three Champions League winners’ medals from his time at Real Madrid, but the Croatia midfielder also steered Chelsea to the European crown last term.

The 27-year-old has