Tuchel tests positive for coronavirus, doubt for Club World Cup trip

LONDON: Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel could miss his side’s trip to Abu Dhabi for the Club World Cup after testing positive for Covid-19. The German was not in the dugout for Chelsea’s FA Cup fourth round clash with Plymouth at Stamford Bridge that finished 2-1 in extra time on Saturday.

Tuchel will also be absent for the squad’s flight out to the Middle East after the game. “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.” Tuchel could still travel later in the week should he test negative with Chelsea’s Club World Cup semifinal set to take place on Wednesday against either Asian champions Al Hilal of Saudi Arabia or the UAE’s Al Jazira.