Tuchel confirms Kante has tested positive for COVID-19

With the 30-year-old being ruled out for the immediate future, Chelsea will have to make do without a world-class operator when facing Juventus on Wednesday.

Tuchel’s side made a winning start to the defence of their Champions League crown against Zenit on matchday one, but can expect to find the going a little tougher against the Serie A giants in Turin.

Kante will be unavailable to them, with the likes of Kai Havertz and Ruben Loftus-Cheek pushing for starting berths after stepping off the bench in a 1-0 defeat to Manchester City last time out.

Kante will sit out that contest and is a major doubt to make the latest France squad looking to chase down another major title at the UEFA Nations League finals.