Tuchel misses FA Cup clash with COVID

Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has tested positive for COVID-19 and will not be in the dugout for his side's FA Cup fourth-round clash with Plymouth Argyle at Stamford Bridge.

The German will also face a nervous wait to see if he can join Chelsea for their Club World Cup campaign next week.

"Thomas Tuchel has tested positive for COVID-19," read a Chelsea statement.

"The Chelsea head coach will now follow necessary self-isolation protocols and hopes to join up with the team in Abu Dhabi later next week. The team fly out for the Club World Cup following this afternoon's FA Cup clash with Plymouth Argyle."

Chelsea are due to fly out on Saturday night. Tuchel will not be joining his squad but still hopes to link up with the Blues in due course.

Chelsea's Club World Cup semi-final against United Arab Emirates Pro League side Al Jazira or AFC Champions League winners Al Hilal is on Wednesday.

Chelsea reached the final the last time they played in the Club World Cup in 2012, losing 1-0 to Brazilian side Corinthians in Japan.

With Reuters.