Thomas Tuchel: Chelsea win at Villa was spoiled by Covid fears and player wellbeing

Thomas Tuchel revealed he was unable to enjoy Chelsea’s comeback victory at Aston Villa because of worries over his players’ health and safety as he let rip at English football chiefs again.

A second-half display inspired by substitute Romelu Lukaku, who scored the second goal and terrified Villa’s defence, hauled the Blues back to within six points of Premier League leaders Manchester City.

But following recent disruption due to Covid-19 cases and injuries, Tuchel said he could not be excited about the result and repeated his demand for teams to be allowed to use five substitutes rather than three.

‘It was a big reaction and win but I am always concerned for the health and safety of the players,’ said Tuchel. ‘That is why you don’t see me fully excited.

‘We could catch huge momentum with this win but the only thing we are doing is checking which players can be pushed. It is pretty challenging.

‘We are taking huge risks. We were forced to play Callum Hudson-Odoi for 90 minutes straight after he recovered from Covid-19 due to injuries.

‘Who decided that? They make us play. We play two more cup games. We play against teams with games postponed. This cannot be the right way.

‘Five substitutes was brought in at the end of the 2019-20 season because of coronavirus. Europe has a winter break but we play through and put it on the players’ shoulders.

‘They make us play all the time even if we have Covid. We have new injuries and it won’t stop. People at the green table, in offices, make these decisions. It’s not fair today.

‘Nobody doubts Romelu is a key player. We put him on for 45 minutes which was more than the fitness and medical department recommended.’

Chelsea also suffered injuries to N’Golo Kante and Thiago Silva during the second half and both are now doubtful for Wednesday’s meeting with Brighton, with Tuchel fearing Kante has had a recurrence of the knee problem he sustained in the Champions League win over Juventus in November.

Lukaku added: ‘I needed a performance like this today. It’s been difficult getting the end of games, every footballer wants to be on the pitch. The manager has his reasons but I kept working hard. I’m happy with my performance and have to push on.’

Villa boss Steven Gerrard missed the game as he is isolating after testing positive for Covid-19. But with Villa’s game at Leeds tomorrow postponed, he is due to take training on Friday and expects to be in the dugout for their next game against Brentford on Sunday.

Assistant Gary McAllister said: ‘He was very frustrated and wanted to be part of it but we were in constant touch throughout the game. He trusts his staff.’