Mateo Kovacic - Page 4 - Soccer News, Rumors, & Updates | FOX Sports

Has calf issues Kovacic will be a game-time decision due to a calf problem for Wednesday's UCL match against Dinamo Zagreb, according to manager Graham Potter. "Kovacic is precautionary with his c...

Impact Kovacic was able to play the full 90 despite earlier concerns in Saturday's 4-1 loss to Brighton but evidently the issue continues to flare up. Were he to miss out on the starting lineup, Ruben Loftus-Cheek could start for a fifth time in the last seven games after only coming off the bench during the Oct. 25 win over Red Bull Salzburg.

NOVEMBER 1, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

No injury concerns Kovacic calf injury is of no concern and should be available against Brighton on Saturday. Manager Graham Potter told reporters, "Mateo has no problem with his calf, it was more fa...

Impact It's certainly good news for the club that Kovacic will be an option after scoring his first goal of the season against RB Salzburg on Tuesday. With the midfielder seemingly fully fit, he should be in the mix to maintain his place in the starting XI.

OCTOBER 28, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Dealing with sore calf Kovacic (calf) came off the pitch in the 68th minute of Tuesday's 2-1 win over Salzburg and was dealing with calf tightness, manager Graham Potter told reporters.

Impact Kovacic scored during his 68 minutes off the pitch but came off gingerly feeling his leg. The midfielder is merely dealing with a tight calf according to Potter, though that could still see him back on the bench for Saturday's trip to Brighton. Kovacic has been dealing with some minor issues over the past month, and has generally been playing 50-60 minutes per match, going the full 90 just twice out of eight appearances in October.

OCTOBER 26, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Scores with lone shot Kovacic scored a goal with his lone shot while creating a chance during Tuesday's 2-1 win over Red Bull Salzburg.

Impact Kovacic found the back of the net in the 23rd minute, opening the scoring in the match. The goal was the first in the Champions League for the midfielder as it's a rare occurrence when Kovacic scores.

OCTOBER 26, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Takes three shots against Brentford Kovacic subbed into Wednesday's match against Brentford in the 15th minute, and he took three shots, created four chances and won one of three tackles in the 0-0 draw.

Impact Kovacic replaced Conor Gallager, who had fallen ill, early on in Wednesday's game and he was a live wire going forward even if he couldn't break through for a winning goal. He has started in seven of Chelsea's last nine games in the Premier League and UCL since the start of September.

OCTOBER 19, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Records assist in win Kovacic subbed into Saturday's match against Wolverhampton in the 66th minute and he assisted a goal in the 3-0 victory.

Impact Kovacic set up Armando Broja's late goal in Saturday's comfortable win over Wolves, his first assist of the season. Kovacic had started in five consecutive games for Chelsea across the Premier League and Champions League prior to this one, so he is likely to return to the XI in midfield before long.

OCTOBER 9, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Pulisic scores as Chelsea beats Wolves 3-0 in EPL

Christian Pulisic made the most of a rare start by scoring in a 3-0 win for Chelsea over Wolverhampton to cap a good week for new manager Graham Potter

OCTOBER 8, 2022 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Kante ruled out for at least a month but Kovacic back in training Chelsea head coach Thomas Tuchel has ruled out N’Golo Kante for at least four more weeks. Kante, 31, missed Chelsea’s 3-0 loss at Leeds Unit...

AUGUST 26, 2022 • THEATHLETIC.COM

Trains Tuesday Kovacic (knee) trained during Tuesday's session ahead of Saturday's match against Leicester City, according to Adam Newsom of Football London.

Impact Kovacic still has work to do if he's to play against the Foxes this weekend but this is still a positive sign after a knee injury ruled him out for the first two matches of the season. As he's been dealing with a stress injury and waiting for the swelling to subside, there shouldn't be any major structural problems that limit him for much longer. With N'Golo Kante (hamstring) now out, getting Kovacic back could be impactful after he recorded five assists and two goals in just 25 EPL appearances (16 starts) last season.

AUGUST 23, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Mendy's error prompts Chelsea collapse in 3-0 loss at Leeds

A bad error by goalkeeper Edouard Mendy prompted a collapse by Chelsea in a 3-0 loss at Leeds featuring a first Premier League goal by American winger Brenden Aaronson

AUGUST 21, 2022 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Out with knee problem Kovacic won't be in the squad to face Spurs on Sunday due to a knee issue. Manager Thomas Tuchel told reporters, "It is the same for Kovacic, who is injured unfortunately with his...

Impact Based on the manager's comments, Kovacic could be sidelined longer than just Sunday's clash, especially if the midfielder had to take a step back in his recovery. Kovacic made 16 starts in his 25 appearances last year in which he garnered two goals on 22 shots (six on target), five assists and 51 tackles.

AUGUST 12, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Rested in finale Kovacic wasn't used in Chelsea's final league match because of a swollen ankle.

Impact Kovacic played through the ankle injury in the FA Cup final, but there was no reason for him to push through it in the league finale. Due to Chelsea's deep midfield, he struggled for consistent starts this season, but he was still plenty important and often started in the biggest games. The 28-year-old also hit some career highs with two goals and five assists from 22 shots and 27 chances created in 25 league appearances (16 starts).

MAY 25, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Continues to deal with ankle issue Kovacic played through an ankle injury in the FA Cup final but is unlikely to feature the rest of the way, according to manager Thomas Tuchel. "Kova had a big swollen ankle after t...

Impact Kovacic fought through an ankle injury for the Cup final, but there's no reason for him to play through it in the final two league matches. Assuming he doesn't continue to play on a swollen ankle, Jorginho and Ruben Loftus-Cheek are expected to start in the midfield the rest of the way.

MAY 18, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Makes it 66 minutes Saturday Kovacic (ankle) started and went 66 minutes in Saturday's FA Cup final against Liverpool.

Impact Kovacic battled through a swollen ankle to put in a decent performance in the midfield Saturday, though it didn't result in a team win. With little to play for in league play, it's a wonder if he'll be rested the final two matches, depending on the severity of his ankle issue.

MAY 14, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Chelsea's Lukaku in spotlight before cup final vs. Liverpool

Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku was in damage control on the eve of the team’s FA Cup final against Liverpool

MAY 13, 2022 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Kovacic and Kante could be involved in FA Cup final — Tuchel Mateo Kovacic and N’Golo Kante could be involved for Chelsea in their FA Cup final against Liverpool, head coach Thomas Tuchel has said.Kova...

MAY 13, 2022 • THEATHLETIC.COM

Could be option for final Kovacic only has swelling and no tear in his ankle, and could be an option for Saturday's FA Cup final, according to manager Thomas Tuchel. "We will try it today actually and see t...

Impact It's a positive update on Kovacic and one that's somewhat surprising. Chelsea only have three matches left this season, so it looks like guys are going to play through minor issues for the FA Cup final. Kovacic had been needed of late due to other injuries in the squad, though it looks like N'Golo Kante is nearing a return, as well.

MAY 13, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

10-man Leeds loses 3-0 to Chelsea, stays in EPL bottom three

Leeds was hampered by another first-half red card and lost 3-0 at home to Chelsea to remain rooted in the Premier League’s relegation zone heading into the final week of the season

MAY 11, 2022 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Daniel James gets red card for bad challenge on Mateo Kovacic ' Premier League

MAY 11, 2022 • YOUTUBE

Injured early Wednesday Kovacic was forced off with a possible foot injury in the 30th minute of Wednesday's match against Leeds United.

Impact Kovacic was tackled by Daniel James, who was sent off, a few minutes earlier and couldn't continue on his foot. It's another unfortunate midfield injury for Chelsea, especially ahead of the FA Cup final. Ruben Loftus-Cheek came on for Kovacic and may have to start Saturday.

MAY 11, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Plays second half against Everton Kovacic (ankle) played 45 minutes off the bench and had two shots and two chances created in Sunday's 1-0 loss against Everton.

Impact Kovacic made a somewhat surprising return to the starting XI Sunday after missing the last two weeks with an ankle injury. Given that he came on for Jorginho, it's expected Kovacic will return to the starting XI for Chelsea's next match, as Thomas Tuchel hasn't been happy with his midfield of late.

MAY 2, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

MATCHDAY: Europa semifinals; Man United hosts Chelsea in EPL

The semifinals of Europe's second- and third-tier competitions begin

APRIL 27, 2022 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Likely out two weeks Kovacic is expected to miss around two weeks with an ankle ligament injury, according to manager Thomas Tuchel. "He is looking at two weeks out and hopefully he won't be out for mu...

Impact This was expected to be the case for Kovacic after Tuchel said the midfielder rarely showed pain or came out injured in matches. It's a tough blow to the depth of Chelsea's midfield, but they still have Jorginho and N'Golo Kante to run things, so it's not the worst thing in the world.

APRIL 19, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Waiting for exam results Kovacic was forced off with an ankle injury in Sunday's Cup win against Crystal Palace, according to manager Thomas Tuchel. "When Kova comes off, you know that he is in pain. The a...

Impact There's a chance this isn't a major injury and Kovacic will be available within the week, but the exam will have the needed information in regards to that. He'd been starting over Jorginho in recent contests, but this move likely means the return of a Jorginho and N'Golo Kante midfield for Wednesday's match, at a minimum.

APRIL 18, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Comes off injured in FA Cup Kovacic was subbed out of Sunday's FA Cup semifinal against Crystal Palace in the 26th minute after suffering an apparent injury.

Impact Kovacic's next opportunity to return will be Wednesday's Premier League clash against Arsenal, but the severity of his potential injury is unclear at the moment. Ruben Loftus-Cheek replaced him in midfield on Sunday, but Chelsea have depth in that position with N'Golo Kante, Jorginho, Mason Mount and Saul Niguez.

APRIL 17, 2022 • ROTOWIRE