Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti is set to finally join his side in London ahead of their Champions League clash with Chelsea after returning a negative COVID test.
The Italian missed his side's clash with Celta Vigo over the weekend after testing positive for the virus, with his son Davide taking charge from the dugout instead. As per Spanish outlet AS, Ancelotti felt fine in the days following the result but was still returning positive tests for the virus, sparking concerns he could potentially be forced to sit out of the trip to Stamford Bridge.
Madrid are on the charge for their 14th Champions League title, with Ancelotti the man who secured their long-awaited 10th back in the 2014 final. The last-16 saw Karim Benzema net a stunning second-half hat-trick to bring them back from the brink against Paris Saint-Germain and win 3-2 on aggregate.
In his pre-match press conference, Thomas Tuchel responded to the reports that Ancelotti could miss the game, saying: "Nowadays you are in charge with media, with help of virtual help, so I'm pretty sure he can do the team talks and be in touch with players.
"But it's always much better and nicer to be there and have direct influence. It's what we as coaches love the most, to be in the middle of the group, constantly communicate not only with words, but also with a smile, a hug.
"I hope he still makes it, I have the information he will try to arrive in the evening. I personally hope he makes it. He's a big, big coach with a big personality. It would be nice to have him on the sideline in these kinds of games."
It seems Tuchel will get his dugout handshake with Ancelotti before and after the game tonight now. As reported by Tom Roddy of The Times, Ancelotti is now set to fly out from Madrid this morning after returning a negative test. Something that will no doubt prove a major boost to the Spanish giants.
