ABU DHABI: Chelsea are uncertain whether manager Thomas Tuchel will be able to travel to Abu Dhabi for any part of the Blues’ Club Club World Cup campaign.

FIFA’s Best coach tested positive for Covid-19 after overseeing training on Friday and handed command to assistant Arno Michels for Saturday’s 2:1 FA Cup win over Plymouth.

The Blues fielded a strong team. Timo Werner and Kai Havertz appeared as second-half substitutes but they saw off their third-tier opponents only after extra-time.

Goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga saved a last-minute penalty from Ryan Hardie to avert a shoot-out. The squad then flew to the United Arab Emirates on Saturday night ahead of Wednesday’s Club World Cup semi-final against Al-Hilal of Saudi Arabia.

Michels said: “We do not exactly know right now when Thomas will be back. He has to follow the Government rules, and is in self-isolation. So we are looking forward for the next days. Of course we were in ongoing communication with Thomas during the match.”

England fullback Reece James did not fly to the UAE because of a lack of match fitness after the recurrence of a hamstring problem and forward Mason Mount is doubtful for Wednesday after a leg injury on Saturday.

Plymouth took an early lead through Macaulay Gillesphey, Cesar Azpilicueta equalised with a backheel just before half-time and Marcos Alonso scored the winner in the first half of extra-time.

Chelsea’s Club World Cup duties mean that next Saturday’s home Premier League game against Arsenal has been postponed so their next domestic actin is another derby away to Crystal Palace on Saturday, February 19. Three days later they resume Champions League defence at home to Lille.

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