Huge blow for Chelsea as 2 players set to miss Atletico Madrid return leg due to suspension
- Mason Mount has turned out to be one of Chelsea’s key men in recent weeks
- The England international will however miss the second leg against Atletico Madrid
- He picked up a yellow card in the first leg and will this be suspended for the return clash
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Thomas Tuchel will have to get past Atletico Madrid in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League round of 16 without the services of key players Mason Mount and Jorginho.
Source: Getty Images
The duo was booked in the first leg on Tuesday, February 23, meaning they will be suspended for the second leg.
Chelsea go into the clash in March with a 1-0 advantage as Olivier Giroud secured the win in Romania with a spectacular bicycle kick in the 71st minute.
On a night of many positives for Tuchel’s men who were thoroughly dominant against the La Liga leaders, the major downside will be the suspension of his two key men.
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Mount has been a revelation since coming of age under the previous tenure of former boss Frank Lampard and has continued to impress Tuchel.
Against Atletico on Tuesday, the England international was utterly dominant, with a number of observers on social media saying he put up a “Messi performance”.
It is for this specific reason that, despite the lead going into the second leg, Mount will be a huge miss for Tuchel.
Speaking after the game, the German admitted he knew the risks involved but still couldn’t afford to sit out a player who is integral for his side.
"We knew before the game [there was that risk]. One player, I think Mason, got their yellow card very early and then unfortunately Jorgi made a tactical foul which at that moment for unfortunately necessary,” Tuchel said.
"So we will have to find solutions, but there are many games between now and the second leg. We play Manchester United, Liverpool, Everton so on. So we will find a solution when it is time for it."
Tuchel remains unbeaten as Chelsea's boss but his upcoming fixtures are set to be the true test of his character and tactics.
The Londoners entertain Man United at Stamford Bridge in their next clash on Sunday, February 28, before battling Liverpool at Anfield four days later.
The Anfield trip will be followed with a home match against Everton on Monday, March 8, before they travel to Bramall Lane to play Leeds United on Saturday, March 13.
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Meanwhile, Legit.ng had earlier reported that Chelsea made a big statement in their round of 16 Champions League win over La Liga leaders Atletico Madrid in Bucharest, Give Me Sport.
And one of the stars of the show was young England midfielder Mason Mount who made a five-star performance against Diego Simeone's side.
Fans believe that the former Derby County star was given enough time to mature as a player by former Blues boss Frank Lampard.
Akan Anwankwo is a sports editor with Legit.ng and has 7 years of field and office experience. He graduated from the University of Lagos in 2014 with a Bachelors degree in English and Literature Studies. Akan intends to educate, inform and make readers passionate about sports. Learn more about him on his Twitter handle: @ anwankwo_akan
Source: Legit.ng
