Thomas Tuchel confirms Ruben Loftus-Cheek injury blow as reluctant Mateo Kovacic decision made

Thomas Tuchel has revealed the extent of Ruben Loftus-Cheek's injury against Southampton and admitted that he risked Mateo Kovacic during the game.

Loftus-Cheek was withdrawn at half-time and soon appeared on the bench with his leg strapped.

Kovacic, who has only just returned from injury and played the final minutes of Chelsea's 2-1 win over Leicester, was not ready to start on the south coast.

Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel vs Southampton. (Alamy)

However, he was called upon to play 45 minutes but was unable to make an impact as Chelsea fell to defeat at St Mary's.

Raheem Sterling's opener was cancelled out minutes later by Romeo Lavia's strike from the edge of the box.

On the brink of half-time, the Saints found themselves ahead as Adam Armstrong bagged what proved to be the winner in their 2-1 triumph.

Speaking after the match, Tuchel confirmed Loftus-Cheek's injury and revealed the risk he took to play Kovacic.

The decision could have been avoided, with both Carney Chukuemeka and Billy Gilmour on the bench as natural midfield options.

Ethan Ampadu could also have been utilised in the centre of the pitch, but Tuchel opted for Kovacic as the Bleus chased the match.

Speaking to BT Sport, Tuchel said: "Hamstring injury, next midfielder out (Loftus-Cheek). No one left."

Jorginho unhappy with the referee at half time vs Southampton. (Alamy)

The German continued to discuss the risk of playing Kovacic.

"Recommendation for Kovacic was 20 minutes," he continued to BT Sport.

Tuchel finalised by admitting that he is baffled by the current situation in midfield.

"I also don’t understand why we are in this situation regarding injuries, all players in midfield. We need to find solutions."

Jorginho reacting to Southampton's second goal vs Chelsea. (Alamy)

N'Golo Kante suffered a hamstring injury against Tottenham Hotspur on the second match of the season, ruling him out for at least four weeks.

The Blues were not helped as Conor Gallagher served his suspension on Tuesday.

Tuchel could look to dip into the transfer market for further reinforcements in the final days of the window, which slams shut on Thursday.