"It has huge influence" - Thomas Tuchel confirms extent of N'Golo Kante's injury blow to Chelsea side

Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has confirmed the extent of N’Golo Kante’s injury blow to the side as he recovers on the sidelines in the coming weeks.

The Frenchman came off injured in the draw against Tottenham a couple of weeks ago, and has not yet returned to the side as a result.

Mateo Kovacic was also unavailable, allowing Conor Gallagher to make his first full start for Chelsea in their 3-0 loss against Leeds last weekend.

Kante could now be absent for some crucial upcoming games.

They will be keen to improve on their mixed start to the season, having picked up four points from a possible nine in their opening three matches.

However, they are set to be without one of their key players as Tuchel reveals how his absence will impact the side.

When speaking to the media ahead of their home match against Leicester City, the German boss said: “We are talking about four weeks plus. 

“I told you at the end of last season he is our key player. He gives something to our team that no other player in the world can give to any other team. 

“That makes him a key player. If your key player is out, it’s a situation you don’t like but have to deal with. It has huge influence.”

Tuchel will not be on the touchline when the Blues face the Foxes on Saturday as a result of his behaviour in the clash against Spurs.

A statement from the FA read: “Thomas Tuchel will be banned from the touchline for Chelsea FC’s Premier League match against Leicester City FC on Saturday 27 August 2022.

“The manager admitted that his behaviour after the final whistle of the Premier League game against Tottenham Hotspur FC on Sunday 14 August 2022 was improper.

Chelsea's N'Golo Kante portrait in action during Udinese Calcio vs Chelsea FC. (Alamy)

“An independent Regulatory Commission subsequently ordered for him to be fined £35,000 and suspended from the touchline for one fixture during a hearing. 

“Thomas Tuchel appealed against these sanctions, but this has been dismissed by an Appeal Board today.”

Despite the ban, Tuchel does not believe it will affect his side’s performance.

He later added: “No, I think I can do the same as always, arrive in the stadium and be in the changing room for sure. 

“I cannot be on the sideline, it seems but we need to wait for the final answer because we responded to the written response. 

“We are waiting for the answer today. I think I can be not on the sideline but in the dressing room and at half-time.”