Chelsea hit with Mateo Kovacic being substituted off injured after just 25 minutes in the FA Cup semi-final against Crystal Palace

CHELSEA lost star midfielder Mateo Kovacic to Crystal Palace after just 25 minutes in the FA Cup semi-final after what is believed to be an ankle injury.

The 27-year-old was then replaced by Blues boss Thomas Tuchel with Ruben Loftus-Cheek.

2

2

The Chelsea midfielder complained about the injury early in the game but decided to give it a try and keep playing but eventually succumbed to the pain.

He dropped to signal he couldn’t continue and was dropped by his manager.

The former Real Madrid player could now miss Wednesday’s clash with Arsenal at Stamford Bridge.

This isn’t the first time the Chelsea man has injured himself for the club.

The Croatian has had a number of injuries over the years.

These include muscle problems, a kneecap tear, a knee injury, and many others.

Despite making 40 games in all competitions this season, he was absent from the campaign nearly two months earlier.

Chelsea made it through to half-time against Crystal Palace without his absence affecting them too much – with the 0-0 result at the break.

FREE BETS AND SIGN UP OFFERS – THE BEST OFFERS FOR NEW CUSTOMERS

Ironically, this comes a year after he missed out on the FA Cup semi-win over Manchester City.

Back then it was a hamstring injury.