Thomas Tuchel has provided an injury update on Chelsea’s Kalidou Koulibaly after being substituted on his debut against Everton.
The 31-year-old was impressive as he made his first competitive start for Chelsea, playing a crucial pass to Ben Chilwell before the wing-back was brought down for a penalty.
Jorginho stepped up from the spot to convert in Chelsea’s only goal of the game in the 1-0 victory at Goodison Park.
Despite his fantastic performance, Koulibaly appeared to struggle physically, going down with cramp twice in the second period.
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The second time saw him replaced by fellow new signing Marc Cucurella, with Reece James, Thiago Silva and Cesar Azpilicueta completing the match in the back three.
With Koulibaly going down on several occasions, Chelsea fans were no doubt worried about their new signing but their concerns have now been eased by head coach Tuchel.
Speaking to Chelsea’s YouTube channel after the match, the German confirmed that there was no serious injury and that the Senegal international was suffering with fatigue as he was substituted due to cramp.
When asked for an update on Koulibaly, Tuchel said: "My belief is that it was cramp and no injury."
This comes as a boost to Chelsea, who face London rivals Tottenham Hotspur next weekend as they look to add another win to their Premier League start.
Tuchel admitted he was not best pleased wth the performance of all of the Blues on the first match of the Premier Leaguee season.
Speaking after the game, he continued: “It was maybe not the most exciting Premier League game. Seven minutes of extra time in the first half, ten minutes in the second half tells the story. Lots of interruptions and no team could find the rhythm.
“We struggled with the moments, to feel the moments, for the change of speed and switch of play.
"We didn't maybe want to take the risk in the final 25 metres.
“We didn't have enough movement on the ball in the second half and that didn't create enough ball losses.
"The ball was stuck between the halves.”
It remains to be seen as to whether Chelsea will bring any new faces to the club before the end of the summer transfer window, with Wesley Fofana of Leicester City the most recent name to be linked with a switch to Stamford Bridge.
Tuchel will be hoping to build on his side’s winning start to the season as they look to challenge at the top of the league once again.
Topics: Chelsea, Everton, Kalidou Koulibaly, Thomas Tuchel, Football, Premier League
Nick Emms