Tuchel reveals he played Hudson-Odoi ‘against medical advice’

Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has revealed that he played Romelu Lukaku and Callum Hudson-Odoi against Aston Villa despite the club doctors’ advice.

Both players were ruled out of the draws against Everton and Wolves after testing positive for Covid-19, and Tuchel stated that they “could take the risk” against Villa.

The gamble paid off, with half-time substitute Lukaku scoring a goal and winning a penalty, while Hudson-Odoi excelled throughout the game.

“I am happy that it went well today,” Tuchel said, before Wednesday’s game against Brighton. “Let’s see how the reaction is from here.

“With Callum, we forced him and I thought he was brilliant today. He should have played one half to a maximum of 60 minutes and this was already more than the fitness department recommended.

“It was also a risk because he just came back from Covid.”