Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic has delivered a fitness update as Thomas Tuchel offered a glowing verdict of the Croatian ahead of the UEFA Champions League clash against Dinamo Zagreb.
The Croatian is returning to his former club, having come through the Dinamo Zagreb academy as a youngster before moving to Inter Milan.
The midfielder holds fond memories of his time at the club and has become a key player for the Croatia national team, making Tuesday's clash a special affair for him and his family.
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The Blues will be hoping that they can come away with a positive result to start their Champions League campaign after crashing out at the quarter-final stage last season to eventual champions, and another of Kovacic's former clubs, Real Madrid.
Speaking ahead of the clash, Kovacic has provided an injury update after returning to the Chelsea team following an absence at the start of the season.
He said: “I’m getting better. I had some problems with my knee after national team and in pre-season.
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"Was a tough pre-season for me. I have recovered and am getting better day by day. I need to get my sharpness and fitness back but games and training are there for it so I’m looking forward to being better every day.”
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He admitted that it feels good to be back in Zagreb and that he is looking forward to facing his former side.
Kovacic continued: "It's really nice to be here. It is a really good feeling to be in Zagreb, see the people I haven't seen in a long time. I have only now realised how much of a long time it has been. I am looking forward to the match tomorrow in a full stadium. I am a Dinamo fan.
"I have very many family and friends coming here but I have been able to get tickets for them."
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This comes after Tuchel gave a glowing review of the player, describing him as key to Chelsea's plans.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Tuchel admitted: “Kova is a fantastic player. On top of it he is a fantastic person and personality. Unbelievable team player.
"It’s a pleasure to be coach of him, for everybody to be his teammate. Kova is a fantastic guy and it’s very important he’s with us. It’s very emotional for him, he’s very happy to be back here."
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The German finalised by discussing his pleasure to welcome him back to the squad and for the match against his former side.
"It’s his city, his country for which he plays with a lot of pride," Tuchel continued.
"We are happy that he’s back, he’s finding his shape.
"We are happy he’s back on the pitch and training.”
Topics: Chelsea, Thomas Tuchel, Mateo Kovacic, Football, Champions League
Nick Emms