Thomas Tuchel has confirmed the injuries of Timo Werner, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Ross Barkley and Cesar Azpilicueta following Chelsea's pre-season clash with Charlotte FC. The quartet were not included in the matchday squad as the Blues lost on penalties to the MLS side.
Speaking to football.london, Tuchel explained why each of the four players in question were absent amid growing suspicions that they all face an uncertain future in west London. The Chelsea boss began by outlining why Werner was out of the frame and said: "Hamstring problems, and we didn't take the risk."
He then addressed the absence of Arrizabalaga, Barkley and Azpilicueta, detailing why he wasn't willing to take a risk with the Premier League restart just two weeks away. Tuchel said: "Kepa has some pain that disturbs him to feel free in his movements. Azpi had a big knock above his knee in his muscle. He ran into Edou, It was a training accident.
