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Football London
Football London
Sport
Jamie Kemble & Adam Newson

Thomas Tuchel confirms injury blow for West Ham clash as Chelsea boss makes goalkeeper decision

Thomas Tuchel has confirmed the latest injury news ahead of Chelsea's clash with West Ham United on Saturday.

The derby with West Ham at the London Stadium could be the biggest game of the Blues' Premier League season so far, the two sides separated by just goal difference in the race for fourth.

It's a potential six-pointer in the top four race, and Chelsea have hardly had the best preparations with The Super League saga dominating headlines off the pitch.

But on the pitch, there is some good and some bad news for Tuchel as he prepares to choose his starting XI to take on the Hammers on Saturday.

That's because there are no fresh injury issues, but the Blues will remain without Mateo Kovacic, who he hopes to have back early next month.

Tuchel said in his pre-match press conference: "The team news is there is no news. Mateo [Kovacic] is still out, everyone else is ok."

He added: "Me, personally, I think we can hope for Fulham. But don't take that for granted. Maybe the physios and doctors will kill me for that. So maybe Fulham, which is between the Madrid games.

"Tomorrow is a game, then we have two days to prepare for Real Madrid in the semi-final of the Champions League. Without training, that won't happen. So Fulham is the target."

Speaking about West Ham, the Chelsea boss continued: "I expect from them that they fight in a sporting way to be in the top four. They have had an extraordinary season."

Tuchel was also asked about whether Edouard Mendy would return in goal after Kepa Arrizabalaga got a surprise Premier League start in the draw with Brighton.

The Blues boss replied: "Mendy will be in goal. The change was made for Kepa in the cup game and before then me and the goalkeeper coach decided Kepa should stay one more game to have it as a reward, to get a bit of rhythm.

"What he's doing in training and the dressing room is simply outstanding in terms of personality. I'm happy he showed it on the pitch. He had two clean sheets in two matches so it's a good feeling we have two goalkeepers. Edou will be in goal tomorrow."

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