Mateo Kovacic has missed Chelsea's first three matches of the Premier League season with a knee injury. The Croatia international has proven to be a huge miss in the Blues' midfield, who really struggled against Leeds United.
Conor Gallagher and Jorginho started in the centre of the pitch at Elland Road at the weekend, but the midfield duo were outran by a boisterous Leeds midfield. Kovacic is someone who is particularly strong at beating high-pressing teams with his passing and dribbling ability, something Chelsea really missed on Sunday.
The good news for Chelsea is Kovacic recently deemed himself ready to return to action ahead of the side's home clash with Leicester City this weekend. With N'Golo Kante also sidelined through injury, the return of Kovacic cannot come quick enough for Thomas Tuchel.
READ MORE: Chelsea star could be set for Jadon Sancho and Jamal Musiala repeat ahead of imminent transfer
"It's nice to be back on the pitch after I missed two weeks. It's tough to come back, but very nice, I couldn't wait to be back on the pitch with the boys and now I can't wait for what's coming," Kovacic said following Chelsea's open training session on Wednesday.
"I hate to not be on the pitch and it's difficult, but I try to support the team in good moments and tough moments. I think it's important that everybody is involved and we act as a group as we have been doing for the last years and that's how it should be.
"The injury gives you something to improve more, so I improved in the gym a little bit. I did some extra work, so I feel good now to start."
Kovacic has struggled with injury problems throughout his time at Chelsea, so Tuchel will be fully aware of the risk of rushing the midfielder back to action. However, despite Chelsea still having a host of central midfield options, Tuchel needs Kovacic's return to be swift and the fact that he was looking sharp in the club's open training session earlier this week is particularly good news for the Blues head coach.
The risk of Kovacic picking up another injury problem could force Chelsea into the transfer market, with Tuchel recently admitting that Kante's problem is serious. Chelsea hold a strong interest in Frenkie de Jong and have been in talks with the Netherlands international's entourage in recent weeks over a move to Stamford Bridge.
The fee with Barcelona is not expected to be an issue, but luring De Jong, who has made it clear he wants to stay put this summer, has proven to be a problem. If Chelsea rush Kovacic back and it goes badly for the Blues, then a move in the final days of the transfer market for another central midfielder could be on the cards.
READ NEXT:
Brendan Rodgers has set Luis Suarez example at Liverpool amid Wesley Fofana to Chelsea saga
UEFA Champions League draw: Chelsea best and worst case scenarios for the group stage
Wesley Fofana, Marcos Alonso – Every transfer Chelsea still need to complete before deadline day
Anthony Gordon will not fix Thomas Tuchel's major Chelsea problem amid £60m transfer talks
