Chelsea have a big problem on their hands ahead of their UEFA Champions League round of 16 match against Lille.
The Blues, who won the Champions League last season, met the defending Ligue 1 champions in the round of 16, with the two matches taking place on February 22 at Stamford Bridge and March 16 at the Stade Pierre Mauroy.
Chelsea are expected to start as favourites, given that they have a superior squad than their French counterparts.
However, a new report indicates that Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel could lose some of his key players for the second leg.
The location of the second leg was being considered, as France is against allowing unvaccinated people into the country.
However, with Lille earning the right to host the second leg in their own backyard, Chelsea will now have to travel to France without their unvaccinated players.
Tuchel warned unvaccinated players
Thomas Tuchel understands that there are no rules that force people to get vaccinated.
However, the German chief had previously saying:
“At some point, everyone who is not vaccinated will face some consequences. If players are not allowed to travel to France, this can create problems for us by not being able to use key players.”
Tuchel’s fears have come true as the Blues could lose several players for the second leg in France next month.
Chelsea beat Al-Hilal 1-0 in the Club World Cup semi-finals
Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal lost 0-1 to Chelsea in the Club World Cup semi-final on Wednesday night. Romelu Lukaku scored the only goal of the match in the 32nd minute.
The Blues will now face Brazilian club Palmeiras in the final on Saturday.
The Champions League champions are without head coach Thomas Tuchel, who tested positive for COVID-19 before his trip to the Middle East.
However, he is expected to be fit and return for the final, where the Blues hope to collect their second trophy of the season.
Chelsea will return to Premier League action on February 19 against Crystal Palace.
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The Stamford Bridge side have moved away from posing a challenge for the league title and will play to cement their place in the top four.
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