Chelsea defensive midfielder, Ngolo Kante is due to return to full training on Tuesday to ease Chelsea’s injury problems.
Kante has been out since limping off against Juventus last month with a twisted knee.
Meanwhile, Mateo Kovacic is also seeing out the last days of his isolation following a positive Covid test to hand Thomas Tuchel a major boost ahead of the Christmas schedule.
Kovacic was expected to be available for Saturday’s thrilling 3-2 win against Leeds after being ruled out since October with a hamstring injury.
But the Croatia international tested positive for Covid-19 last week, meaning he has to spend a minimum 10 days in isolation.
Tuchel has revealed Kovacic suffered mild symptoms, but will not be allowed to return to training until he is clear of the virus.
He admitted he is desperate to have Kante and Kovacic available again for Chelsea.
“It is absolutely crucial because Jorgi is sacrificing in the middle of the pitch in games like when you need two players to drive the ball and pick up good spaces in midfield. Leeds would have been the perfect game for both of them.
“Kova had symptoms over the last few days. Not too bad is my information, but I don’t know the answer to when he is allowed to come back. We need to know what the doctor says and 10 days and some tests to be negative before he can come back.”
In the mean time Jorginho is playing through the pain barrier to be Chelsea’s saviour.
On Saturday he scored two second half penalties – including an injury time winner – to ensure the European champions avoided more dropped points in the race for the title.
After defeat to West Ham the previous week, Tuchel’s side looked set to be frustrated by Joe Gelhardt’s 83rd-minute equaliser.
But Jorginho held his nerve deep into stoppage time to secure the win.
“My back is not in the best condition, but when you need to push yourself to try to help your team-mates, this is what you have to do,” said the Italy midfielder.
“It’s hard, but you have to do it. I just try to push and try to help my team because that’s the best we can do.
“It’s a difficult month ahead, but we’re prepared for these games and we’ll try to do our best.”
However, Tuchel believes Mason Mount is close to returning to his best form after slow start to the season and an absence due to surgery to have wisdom teeth removed.
The England international equalised for Chelsea after Raphinha had put Leeds ahead with a first half penalty.
