Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic tests positive for Covid just a DAY after returning to training following hamstring injury, reveals boss Thomas Tuchel - with Croat now unavailable for Zenit St Petersburg trip on Wednesday Mateo Kovacic has been out of action for Chelsea due to a hamstring injury The Blues midfielder returned to training on Monday after missing eight games But Thomas Tuchel revealed he tested positive for Covid and is now in isolation The Chelsea boss is also missing Jorginho and N'Golo Kante for the trip to Russia By Kieran Jackson For Mailonline Published: 13:27 GMT, 7 December 2021 | Updated: 13:29 GMT, 7 December 2021 1 Viewcomments Thomas Tuchel revealed that Mateo Kovacic has tested positive for Covid just one day after returning to training following a lengthy hamstring injury. The Croatian midfielder has missed the Blues' last eight games due to an injury picked up in training in October. The Chelsea boss was expecting a boost to his squad ahead of the final Champions League group clash away at Zenit St Petersburg on Wednesday night, however Kovacic is now in isolation. Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel revealed that Mateo Kovacic has tested positive for Covid today Kovacic has missed the Blues' last eight games due to an injury picked up in training in October 'Mateo was in training yesterday with a big smile and was pure pleasure to have him back,' Tuchel said. 'But he tested positive today for Covid and is isolating... 'There are risks but as a club we do everything possible to minimise that risk. We get tested several times a week and take the precautions to minimise that risk. 'As a club and a team we feel as safe as possible and will carry on doing so.' Tuchel also confirmed that Jorginho and N'Golo Kante wouldn't be available to him for the trip to Russia. Chelsea, who are certain of qualification to the knockout-stages, will finish top of their group if they better Juventus' result against Malmo. More to follow... Share or comment on this article: All rights reserved for this news site (dailymail) and under his responsibility