Chelsea trio a doubt for FA Cup test against Middlesbrough

The Blues may be in turmoil off the pitch, but they have remained professional on it, beating Newcastle United in the Premier League on Sunday and overcoming Lille in the Champions League in mid-week.

Their attention now turns to their third competition in the space of seven days, with Championship side Middesbrough standing in their way of an FA Cup semi-final.

Boro have already defeated Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur in the FA Cup this season and will be looking to knock out their third Premier League team in a row.

Speaking ahead of the game, Tuchel said, "Reece, Callum and Andreas Christensen are uncertain.

"They are in training but weren't in full training. It will be a tight race but maybe too close."

This game will be the last one before an international break, during which England will face two friendly matches against Switzerland and the Ivory Coast.

Reece James was picked for the squad by Three Lions manager Gareth Southgate and Tuchel was asked whether this surprised him.

He continued, "Yes and no. I would also call Reece up no matter what if I was the head coach of the England team. That's why I am not surprised.

"Yesterday, he was not match-ready. Let's see what happens tomorrow. He comes after nine weeks of injury and we will test if he can do the full match tomorrow.

"If not, it makes no sense that he should go."