Chelsea news: Medical expert names real Mateo Kovacic return date as ligament damage confirmed
Chelsea star Mateo Kovacic is likely to return from his ankle ligament injury in time for the clash against Wolves next Saturday (7 April).
That is the view of injury expert Ben Dinnery, who runs the Premier Injuries site and has a background in medicine and data analysis.
Kovacic, 27, has not featured since he limped off in the 2-0 FA Cup semi-final win over Crystal Palace earlier this month (17 April).
Per the Daily Mail last Tuesday (19 April), Thomas Tuchel revealed that the Croatian has “ligament damage” but could be back within “two weeks”.
The German manager’s timeline would indicate that the midfielder has a chance of playing against Everton on Sunday (1 May).
But it is more likely that Kovacic will not be fit again for the Wolves match six days later.
“I am of the mind that we are working within a two to four-week timeframe,” he told Football Insider‘s Adam Williams.
“Tuchel’s timeline would suggest that gives him a chance for Sunday against Everton.
“But my initial thoughts were that the game against Wolves could be a possible return. However, these injuries are assessed on a daily basis.
“If they go and get a good result against Man United, that changes the whole mood around the Chelsea camp. In that case, do they need to take the risk?
“He can’t be ruled out of Sunday’s games but I think it is much more likely to be the Wolves game.”
Kovacic has scored twice and supplied six assists in 40 appearances this season.
Chelsea will mathematically secure Champions League qualification with eight more points this season.
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