Despite a promising couple of performances last week, the Blues know anything but three points at home against a struggling Fulham side will leave dents in their charge for a place in the top four.

Thomas Tuchel spoke to the media ahead of Chelsea’s Premier League game and provided updates on the fitness of his players. On that note, we list the top Chelsea news stories from today, April 30.

Also read: Chelsea vs Fulham prediction, preview, team news and more | Premier League 2020-21

Tuchel rules Chelsea’s Rudiger out of Fulham clash

Ahead of what will be a second successive London derby in the PL for Chelsea, Tuchel confirmed that Antonio Rudiger won’t be fit to face the Cottagers.

The defender, who has been one of the mainstays under his compatriot’s stewardship, sustained a minor knock in the dying stages of the 1-1 draw at Madrid.

Tuchel also added that the Fulham game comes too soon for Mateo Kovacic, whose fitness remains doubtful.

The Chelsea boss said:

He further said on Rudiger’s injury:

AC Milan eyeing move for Chelsea’s Abraham

Chelsea forward Tammy Abraham, who is still the club’s leading marksman, is on the fringes of the squad under Tuchel. He could find some valuable minutes against Fulham tomorrow, but his future remains in the air amid the club’s interest in Europe’s proven strikers.

According to latest reports, AC Milan are set to rival English clubs in Leicester City, West Ham and Newcastle United for Abraham’s signature. He is currently valued at £40 million.

The Italian giants are also looking to make Fikayo Tomori’s move permanent, and their civil relationship with Chelsea could help facilitate the deal for Abraham.

Tuchel likens Ruben Loftus-Cheek to Ballack

Thomas Tuchel earlier in his presser admitted that he has been a fan of on-loan Chelsea star Ruben Loftus-Cheek since his time in Germany.

Loftus-Cheek enjoyed his best-ever season in a Blues shirt under Maurizio Sarri in 2018-19, where he was deployed in a mobile three-man midfield. He netted 10 goals for Chelsea across 40 appearances, a tally that also included a hat-trick.

Although his career has been blighted by injuries, the 25-year-old has undoubted potential to make it big at Stamford Bridge.

Tuchel opined on his chances of returning and stated that Loftus-Cheek reminds him of Chelsea legend Michael Ballack.

On Loftus-Cheek’s possible return to Chelsea, Tuchel added:

Loftus-Cheek will be ineligible to face his parent club this weekend.

Also read: Chelsea News Roundup: Blues ready to offload star player, defender opens up on his contract situation and more - 29th April, 2021

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