Thomas Tuchel press conference: Team news vs Tottenham; Aubameyang & Fofana latest

Thomas Tuchel spoke to the press ahead of Chelsea's Premier League clash with Tottenham on Sunday.

The two sides both picked up victories in their opening outings, while the Blues have been linked with transfer moves for a number of targets during the week.

Fresh from their 1-0 victory over Everton, here's what Tuchel said as his side gear up for their first London derby of the season.

Chelsea team news vs Tottenham

Tuchel confirmed dynamic midfielder Mateo Kovacic will miss out on Sunday, leaving Jorginho to partner N'Golo Kante in central midfield. Marcos Alonso is finalising his transfer to Barcelona and hasn't trained with the first team.

Temperatures are on the rise across the United Kingdom, with some areas hitting potentially due to hit 26C, and Tuchel admitted the game will be tougher for Chelsea.

"It is demanding, it is more demanding. The data in different conditions has a different output. Maybe it is a matter of how you want it and accept it, because at times it will be difficult and draining. It's a question of who has the will and ability to play through the pain. I'm not there yet if it influences my starting XI."

Tuchel: We must defend Tottenham counter

Antonio Conte returns to Chelsea again with Tottenham and he'll be hoping for more success than last season.

Spurs played the Blues four times last term across the league and Carabao Cup, losing each time failing to score a goal.

They boast the threats of Harry Kane, Son Heung-min and Dejan Kulusevski, however, and Tuchel was respectful in his appraisal of Tottenham's attacking talents.

He said: "I will not tell you. They have a pattern in their offensive pressiing and how they defend. It's important we are good on the ball, the dominant team, and hopefully put the game into the opponents' half. We then have to control the counter attack.

"They are maybe one of the best teams in the world on counter attack. We did a fantastic job last season of closing it down."

Will Chelsea sign Wesley Fofana?

Chelsea remain in the hunt for Leicester's Wesley Fofana, with Brendan Rodgers confirming on Thursday that the Foxes had rejected two bids for the defender.

The Blues started the bidding at £60m and soon moved up to £70m, but 90min understands Leicester want over £80m for the 21-year-old. A new offer close to that fee is set to test Leicester's resolve imminently.

"I will not comment. No matter how good your question will be, I will not comment," he said with a giggle when asked about Fofana.

Pressed on whether the squad could use another defender, he added: "We could use one more central defender if you look at the numbers and that we play with a back three.

"We could strengthen our squad in depth. It's one thing that you wish for and it's another that is possible. We are looking for top quality and top personalities."

The latest on Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

Chelsea are still light up front having sent Romelu Lukaku to Inter and loan and have been linked with a move for Barcelona's Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who only moved to Catalonia earlier this year.

Tuchel previously worked with the Gabon striker at Borussia Dortmund and while he would not go into any specifics, he admitted their relationship remains good.

"It was a pleasure. Some players stay your players because you were very close and Auba is one of these players. Even when we played against him with Arsenal, straight away there was this close bond.

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"I don't follow the press. To be offended, I don't follow the press so much. I don't know if he has a good or bad press. It's not important.

On transfers, he added: "We will not panic and we will not try to sign players we are not 100% convinced. All signings so far are fantastic signings and will help us."