Tuchel praises Chelsea youngsters after cup victory

Thomas Tuchel praised Chelsea’s three debutants after the Carabao Cup quarter-final win at Brentford.

The Blues, depleted by Covid-19 and injuries, started with teenagers Harvey Vale, Xavier Simons and Jude Soonsup-Bell.

Boss Tuchel said: “They did not train for one week because the academy was closed because of Covid. Then we invited them to training (with the first team) two days ago.

“So they had two sessions with us and they listened carefully and did their job.

“They did good. They did well and were involved in a good performance.

“So well done to the three guys and well done to the others as well, who made it easy for them.”

In the end it was the introduction of more seasoned players from the bench which turned the game in Chelsea’s favour at the Community Stadium, where they won 2-0 courtesy of Pontus Jansson’s own goal and Jorginho’s penalty.

Afterwards Tuchel revealed that Romelu Lukaku and Callum Hudson-Odoi, who have been unavailable because of Covid-19, have now tested negative for the virus and are set to return to training on Thursday.

Tuchel added that he is unsure whether they will be fit enough to be involved against Aston Villa on Boxing Day.

Ben Chilwell, who has also had Covid, has now tested negative as well but is out with a knee injury.