Chelsea midfielder, N’Golo Kante has tested positive for Covid-19 and has gone into self-isolation.
Manager Thomas Tuchel confirmed news and said Kante must “quarantine and follow the government protocols.”
Tuchel said Kante was not at training on Tuesday as Chelsea prepared for their Champions League Group H match against Juventus on Wednesday.
The 30-year-old will also miss Saturday’s Premier League clash with Southampton and his participation in France’s Nations League clash with Belgium on October 7 could also be in doubt.
Tuchel said Christian Pulisic, Mason Mount and Reece James will also be unavailable against Juventus.
After confirming Kante’s diagnosis, Tuchel took questions on whether footballers should get vaccinated and set an example for others.
Tuchel responded: ‘It would be easy to say yes and get the applause from a lot of people but do I have the right to say it? I’m not so sure. I can make the decision for myself. Everyone else has to reflect on it and take the risk.
‘I am vaccinated like I said, I took the decision for myself but I don’t see myself in the position to speak out and give recommendations. I think that would go too far, I’m a football coach and I’m not an expert in this.
‘Everyone is an adult and lives in a free country and free society. We don’t like to lose players but we are not angry at N’Golo (for testing positive), we are concerned and worried for him just like I am with injured players. We will take care of them.’
When asked whether he believes sports stars are being discouraged from talking about the vaccine due to the abuse they may receive, Tuchel said: ‘I’m absolutely not afraid of having a bad reaction if I’m convinced about something, but I’m a football coach.
‘I have a lot to do, I’m a father in my family. I am not fully informed to know about what the vaccinations are deeply. I’m informed enough that I took the decision but I cannot tell people (what to do). They are recommendations from doctors and politicians.’
When asked how much of his squad are vaccinated, the German responded: ‘I don’t know the percentage, we are also only a reflection of society. The players are adults and have free choice on whether they want to get vaccinated or not, and we should accept it.
‘I know the situation is far from over. When somebody in the group gets it it makes you very aware that it’s not over.’
