Chelsea duo ruled out of West Ham clash

Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has confirmed that Mateo Kovacic and Antonio Rudiger won't be facing West Ham United this weekend.

Kovacic picked up an ankle ligament injury against Crystal Palace last weekend, but he subsequently missed the Arsenal game on Wednesday.

Rudiger was also absent for the midweek derby after picking up a minor groin injury. Both players have now been ruled out of the Hammers clash.

In the absence of Kovacic, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and N'Golo Kante started in midfield against the Gunners, but the former had a poor outing.

He struggled to control the proceedings, and could be replaced by Jorginho. Saul Niguez is another option, but he has barely impressed for the Blues.

Saul was signed on loan from Atletico Madrid last summer with an option to buy. The Blues are unlikely to trigger the clause amid his struggles.

Chelsea will be aiming to avoid a fourth straight league defeat at home on Sunday. They previously achieved the unwanted record in 1978.