Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has blamed injuries as the ‘story of the season’ and the reason why his side fell behind Liverpool and Manchester City in the title race.
Tuchel was speaking after Chelsea’s 1-1 draw with Manchester United at Old Trafford where they largely dominated with 21 shots to their hosts six. The German has seen his side's title challenge falter over recent months.
Chelsea had shot out of the blocks this season and were top of the league after 14 games of the campaign. In fact, after their 2-2 draw with Liverpool on January 2, Chelsea were one point clear of the Reds. However, poor form and injuries have taken their toll and now Chelsea trail Liverpool by 13 points and City by 14. Chelsea have also only scored 68 goals compared to Liverpool's 85 and City's 80.
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When pressed on whether their lack of ruthlessness in front of goal was the reason they had dropped behind Liverpool and Man City, Tuchel told Chelsea’s official website: “I don’t think so. When I see the way Reece James played and know we missed him for 12 weeks then I’m very impressed we are still in the top three, so close to another Champions League semi-final, and in two cup finals. You saw the quality that was missing.
“Today Mateo Kovacic was missing, same with Ben Chilwell, and this is the story of the season. The big difference is Man City and Liverpool have full squads available, and we have struggled through the season. Covid period, long-term injuries, and this is more decisive than anything.”
Chelsea were missing Kovacic, Chilwell, Andreas Christensen, Ross Barkley and Callum Hudson-Odoi last night but Kovacic and Christensen are expected to be fit for the FA Cup final against Liverpool on 14 May.
