(Reuters) – Chelsea supervisor Thomas Tuchel stated he was compelled to offer some gamers extra minutes than he ought to have in opposition to Aston Villa on Sunday, with each Romelu Lukaku and Callum Hudson-Odoi returning to motion after lacking the final three video games as a result of COVID-19.
Chelsea secured a 3-1 win at Villa, with Lukaku approaching at half-time and Hudson-Odoi taking part in the complete 90 minutes.
“It is just not really easy when you might have an extended harm, with a physique like (Lukaku) and also you catch COVID-19,” Tuchel instructed reporters.
“When you learn the match sheet and browse the names you would possibly assume, sure, everyone seems to be there, 18 guys and it’s a prime squad. But if you happen to have a look at the main points, you see that we’re struggling and taking some big dangers.
“Callum (Hudson-Odoi) was compelled to play 90 minutes straight after COVID-19 due to accidents through the match and that is the best way it’s.”
While happy with the three factors, Tuchel was involved concerning the gamers he should pitch again into motion over the busy vacation interval.
“This is a giant response and win. At the identical time, I’m at all times involved within the final weeks, I’m involved for the well being and the security of the gamers,” Tuchel stated.
“This is fairly difficult. It’s not over simply because the names are again on the staff sheet. At the second the scenario may be very demanding.”
Third-placed Chelsea face Brighton & Hove Albion on Wednesday, earlier than taking on Liverpool on Jan. 2.
(Reporting by Aadi Nair in Bengaluru; Editing by Peter Rutherford)
