Chelsea have been handed a huge injury concern during their FA Cup semi-final with Crystal Palace after midfielder Mateo Kovacic was withdrawn with a suspected ankle injury. The Croatian was originally named in Thomas Tuchel's starting line-up for the clash at Wembley Stadium but lasted just 26 minutes of the game before being replaced.
He was substituted for Chelsea academy prospect Ruben Loftus-Cheek. The problem appeared to occur earlier in the game and whilst Kovacic originally attempted to continue, he soon dropped onto his haunches to eventually depart the action.
The injury was of course a blow for the FA Cup semi-final clash with the Eagles but the Blues will be anxious ahead of the upcoming Premier League clashes. Depending on the severity of the injury, Kovacic could potentially be set to miss Wednesday's clash with Arsenal at Stamford Bridge - a game that looks key to the race for the Champions League positions come the end of the season.
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It is not the first time that Kovacic has been suffering with injury or fitness problems this term. Despite having made 40 appearances in all competitions, he was absent for nearly two months earlier in the campaign.
The 27-year-old at first picked up a troublesome abductor problem before then testing positive for Covid-19 just as his return to action was closing in.
Thomas Tuchel only recently was full of praise for the Croatian playmaker. Speaking earlier this month, he said: "A lovely guy, a humble guy, and so interested in sports. He's so happy to train and deliver for the team. It's a true pleasure.
"Even at Real Madrid, I was aware of his talent, and I felt there was a next step coming. I'm very happy that he's my player and plays a lot this season. He is crucial to us on the pitch and off the pitch in the way he behaves."
