Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel is hopeful that Mateo Kovavic will be the only absentee for his side when they host Albion at Stamford Bridge tomorrow night (8pm).

The 26-year-old midfielder has missed their last games, the Champions League second-leg defeat to Porto and the FA Cup semi-final win over Manchester City, due a hamstring injury.

But the Croatian international will not be available again when the Seagulls visit the Bridge tonight.

Defender Andreas Christensen also missed the win over City at Wembley on Saturday evening with a muscle problem.

But Tuchel confirmed that he will be available for the clash with Albion.

He said: “I expect Andreas to be back and to be available, he trained very well yesterday (Sunday) and I hope this will continue today (Monday).”

Fellow defender Thiago Silva started against City, but had to go off with what appeared to be a back problem.

Tuchel expects the experienced Brazilian to be involved in the squad, tonight.

But given that the 36-year-old had played in both of their games last week against Porto and City, he may well start on the bench.

Tuchel said: “Thiago Silva, we’ll see if it makes sense that he starts or in on the bench, not because of injury but because of acute overload, with two games after his recent injury.

“So I hope that it’s only Kova (Kovacic) that we have out with injury.”

The Blues have been in fine form since Tuchel took charge.

They have only lost two of his first 19 games in all competitions.