Thomas Tuchel angry after Chelsea forced to play on despite Covid outbreak: ‘It’s hard to understand’

Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel says he is “angry” after the club’s request to have Sunday’s Premier League clash with Wolves postponed was rejected, and is concerned for the welfare of his players as their Covid outbreak worsens.

Seven Chelsea players have now tested positive for the virus, with the Blues only able to name four outfield players among their substitutes for the trip to Molineux.

Six Premier League matches have been postponed this weekend due to outbreaks at various clubs and Tuchel cannot understand why his side’s request was turned down.

“We thought we had a strong case regarding the security and health of players,” Tuchel told the BBC.

“We have seven positive cases, we were made to be in the bus and travel together for three hours, were in meeting together, in dinner and lunch and the situation does not feel like it will stop.

“We applied to not play and put the situation under control and it was rejected.

“It is very hard to understand it, we are concerned about the health of the players. We end up with players who play coming from injuries and we take the risk.

“I am worried from a medical point of view, we have had four days of consecutive tests. How will it stop if we are in a bus together and in meetings?

“We are disappointed, we are a bit angry.”