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Toni Rudiger hands Chelsea massive boost with German set to don protective mask to face Real Madrid in Champions League

TONI RUDIGER will have to wear a protective mask against Real Madrid on Wednesday.

The centre-back suffered a facial injury at the end of the 1-1 semi-final first- leg draw at Real Madrid in the Champions League.

Toni Rudiger will have to wear a protective mask against Real Madrid

He missed Saturday’s 2-0 win over Fulham but trained with a mask on the morning of the match.

In 2007, former Blues captain John Terry wore one against Valencia just 72 hours after undergoing a cheek operation.

But there is bad news as Mateo Kovacic has not recovered from a muscle injury which has kept him out for a month.

Boss Thomas Tuchel said: “For Toni, he can play with a mask, so it’s just about getting used to it.

“For Kovacic he felt something. It’s very likely he will not make it.

“But I’m very happy to arrive with this group in the semi-final. We feel ready for a big fight.”

Talisman Sergio Ramos could be back after knee and calf injuries.

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Chelsea boss Tuchel was asked whether he will change his tactics if the Real Madrid skipper plays.

He added: “Maybe we will play with no striker at all and Ramos has nothing to fight against.

“I have not made my mind up yet. Let’s wait and see if he’s fit.”

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