Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel tests positive for Covid ahead of FA Cup match

The boss will be absent from the touchline against the Pilgrims

Thomas Tuchel will return to Chelsea for their Club World Cup campaign (Nick Potts/PA) (PA Wire)

Thomas Tuchel will miss today’s FA Cup match with Plymouth after the Chelsea manager tested positive for Covid, his club have confirmed.

Like most clubs, the Blues have had a few players absent due to Covid across the past couple of months, Andreas Christensen the most recent.

Now they face at least one game without the head coach on the sidelines, ahead of their trip to Abu Dhabi for the Club World Cup, which kicks off on Saturday and which Chelsea join in with next week.

Before that comes the domestic cup fourth-round clash against League One opponents the Pilgrims, as they look to continue their trophy chase.

A short club statement read:

"The Chelsea head coach will now follow necessary self-isolation protocols and hopes to join up with the team in Abu Dhabi later next week.

“The team fly out for the Club World Cup following this afternoon's FA Cup clash with Plymouth Argyle."

Tuchel’s assistants Arno Michels and Zsolt Low are likely to lead the team from the touchline in the German boss’ absence.

Chelsea saw off Chesterfield in the third round, while Plymouth have knocked out Sheffield Wednesday, Rochdale and Birmingham City to reach this stage.