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Mateo Kovacic has been an important player for Chelsea this season and has played in 10 of Chelsea’s 12 Premier League games this term, starting seven times.

The 24-year-old loan signing from Real Madrid has fitted in well into Sarri-ball, but the midfielder is in doubt for this weekend’s clash against Tottenham at the Wembley Stadium.

According to The Sun, Kovacic is a doubt for this game after missing the England Nations League game.

The Croatia international failed to feature for Croatia during the international break, and played no part in their 3-2 UEFA Nations League win over Spain last week, and he was then ruled out of Sunday’s 2-1 defeat to England at Wembley.

Kovacic was asked in the mixed zone after the game in west London by ESPN journalist Liam Twoney how his injury was.

Kovacic who has a ‘small muscular’ problem, is said to have replied: “Good. Better.”

He will be assessed by the club’s medical team upon his return to Cobham, and if he fails to be fit enough to face Spurs, Maurizio Sarri can turn to Ross Barkley and Ruben Loftus-Cheek for this game, and Cesc Fabregas can also feature in this role.