‘Hard to understand’ – Tuchel ‘angry’ at Chelsea having request for Wolves clash to be axed rejected despite Covid cases

THOMAS TUCHEL is ‘angry’ at the Premier League’s decision to reject Chelsea’s application to have their clash with Wolves postponed.

The Blues have SEVEN Covid cases in their squad, with more players testing positive since their 1-1 draw with Everton on Thursday.

But with Chelsea still just about able to name a full team, the Premier League turned down their request to call the game off – despite the obvious safety concerns.

Speaking ahead of the match, Tuchel said: “We are disappointed, we are a bit angry.

“I am worried from a medical point of view, we have had four days of consecutive positive tests.

“How will it stop if we are in a bus and in meetings together?”

He then added: “We have seven positive cases, we applied to not play and put the situation under control, it was rejected.

“It is very hard to understand it, we are concerned about the health of the players.

FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN NEW CUSTOMER DEALS

“We end up with players who play coming from injuries and we take the risk.”

N’Golo Kante returns to the Blues’ starting XI, while 37-year-old Thiago Silva starts his second game in four days.

Chelsea have named two goalkeepers on their bench, with only four outfielders.

These include Mateo Kovacic, who himself has only just recovered after a bout of Covid-19.

The Blues confirmed on Thursday that Romelu Lukaku, Timo Werner, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Ben Chilwell had all tested positive.

The Belgian striker wrote on Instagram: “A few days ago I tested positive for COVID. I am feeling good now and I am in isolation for the next days,.

“I’ve seen the messages so thank you for that. Stay safe people.”

Opponents Wolves have had Covid-19 issues of their own this week.

Manager Bruno Lage confirmed that Fabio Silva and Yerson Mosquera both tested positive.

⚽ Read our Football news live blog for the very latest rumours, gossip and done deals