CONFIRMED: Why Kai Havertz was dropped against Rennes tonight
Kai Havertz is not in tonight’s Champions League squad to face Rennes because of a positive coronavirus test, Frank Lampard has confirmed.
Suspicions were raised yesterday during the open training session when it became clear that the midfield wasn’t with the main group.
Those fears were magnified when tonight’s team news came out just half an hour ago and the German wasn’t in the squad at all. Finally, Lampard spoke to the press to confirm what was already widely suspected.
The diagnosis certainly rules Havertz out of tonight’s game, and if it’s backed up by further positives, he will probably be out of the weekend’s match with Sheffield United too.
It’s a real blow for the team, who looked so good in a new shape against Burnley last weekend.
However it could have been worse. Havertz is in dire need of a rest after several games in a row, and as long as we can get the job done without him tonight, we may end up pretty pleased he’s had a week off.
Frank Lampard has confirmed Kai Havertz has tested positive for Covid-19. As a consequence the player is now undergoing a period of self-isolation and is not involved in tonight’s Champions League game versus Rennes.#CHEREN
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) November 4, 2020