Thomas Tuchel believes Mateo Kovacic is “very unlikely” to be fit for this weekend’s FA Cup final against Liverpool after suffering an ankle injury during Chelsea’s 3-0 win at Leeds.

Blues midfielder Kovacic limped off as a result of a reckless challenge midway through the first half from Daniel James, who was sent off.

Chelsea are underdogs for the game at Wembley, as the odds on offer at Baccarat (บาคาร่า) show.

“I tell you not as an expert, but for me it is very unlikely,” head coach Tuchel said.

“He has a swollen ankle and is in a lot of pain. I am not a doctor and we need to wait for the examinations, but it looks very unlikely that he can play.

“It’s absolutely bad news for us, of course, on a perfect evening. If he misses it I’m very disappointed, because he was a clear starter, He’s a key figure for us.

“He’s super, super hungry and determined and excited to play in these matches and is in fear now that he will miss it.

“We will see. We need to wait. Maybe we will have a miracle and we make it possible.”

On a brighter note for Chelsea, the win took them to the verge of securing a Champions League place.

“I think we played very well from the very first minute,” Tuchel said.

“I was very happy with the level of focus and determination. It was a very good performance and a deserved win.”