Thomas Tuchel claims N’Golo Kante was substituted off as a precaution in Chelsea’s vital 2-1 win over Leicester City on Tuesday and ‘hopes’ he isn’t injured.
The France international, who has been in spectacular form for Chelsea of late, was taken off after only 32 minutes with the scores level at 0-0.
Mateo Kovacic replaced Kante, with the Croatia international featuring for the first time since April 10 due to a hamstring problem.
Antonio Rudiger bundled in from Ben Chilwell’s cross before Jorginho put the London side 2-0 up from the penalty spot.
Kelechi Iheanacho hit back for the Foxes to set up a tense finale at Stamford Bridge, but the blues clinged on to exact their revenge over the club that beat them in the FA Cup final last week.
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The result means Tuchel’s side have now moved above Leicester into third position with just one game against Aston Villa on the final day of the campaign on Sunday to play.
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After that crucial clash, Chelsea take on Manchester City in the Champions League final on May 29. And Tuchel provided an update on Kante ahead of those season-defining matches.
‘I hope that N’Golo is not injured,’ Tuchel said in his post-match press conference. ‘He told me he went out before an injury. He felt his hamstrings, he was worried that he’d get injured if he continued to play.
‘SO we put out Kova [Kovacic] that was a huge risk but it was the moment to take risk as it was a game of highest importance. I am happy it worked out.
‘Hopefully NG [Kante] will come back, we are a different team with him.’
Meanwhile, Tuchel insisted the Blues have no time to celebrate after the result, with their job only half done.
‘It felt like a huge effort and a top performance,’ said Tuchel. ‘Don’t get me wrong, it’s a big step, but it’s only a step; it’s not done yet, we have to push it over the line on Sunday.
‘Now is not the time for celebrations or praise; it’s three points but only three points and the job is not yet done.’
