Thomas Tuchel revealed that Mateo Kovacic has tested positive for Covid just one day after returning to training following a lengthy hamstring injury.
The Croatian midfielder has missed the Blues' last eight games due to an injury picked up in training in October.
The Chelsea boss was expecting a boost to his squad ahead of the final Champions League group clash away at Zenit St Petersburg on Wednesday night, however Kovacic is now in isolation.
![Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel revealed that Mateo Kovacic has tested positive for Covid today](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2021/12/07/13/51448261-10284229-image-m-72_1638884128490.jpg)
![The Croatian midfielder has missed the Blues' last eight games due to a hamstring injury](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2021/12/07/13/51448259-10284229-image-m-74_1638884146699.jpg)
Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel revealed that Mateo Kovacic has tested positive for Covid today
![Kovacic returned to training on Monday but is now in isolation after his positive test today](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2021/12/07/13/51448279-10284229-image-m-76_1638884169857.jpg)
Kovacic returned to training on Monday but is now in isolation after his positive test today
'Mateo was in training yesterday with a big smile and was pure pleasure to have him back,' Tuchel said.