Chelsea have a high-profile knockout tie against Real Madrid to navigate on Tuesday night in the Champions League. In order to progress, Thomas Tuchel could be set to lean on the shoulders of a player who has drifted under the radar at Stamford Bridge.
Since signing from RB Leipzig in the summer of 2020, Timo Werner hasn't established himself as a regular starter for the Blues. Of the 30 Premier League matches that Chelsea have played this season, the German has started just 10 of them.
It hasn't always been the case. Tuchel once regarded him as central to his plans. The Blues coach referenced the importance of his fellow compatriot on several occasions last season, stating: "It's one of Werner’s strengths to play on the edge, to give our opponent defenders always something to think about: how high the line is, how deep you have to drop because of his speed."
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Chelsea possess a whole host of offensive options including the likes of Kai Havertz, Hakim Ziyech and Mason Mount, but Werner is the man with pace in abundance.
In fact, he remained on the bench for the full 90 minutes in just four of his team's Premier League and Champions League matches during Tuchel's debut season in charge, with Chelsea losing two and drawing one of those, having failed to score in all three.
After losing to Arsenal in particular, Tuchel stated the need for Werner to be included in his team after he was rested. He offered unique perks compared to his teammates.
Romelu Lukaku's £97.5million arrival last summer changed the dynamics of the squad after he joined from Inter Milan. The Belgian striker was strong and physical but more importantly, he's was also fast enough to pose a threat in behind.
His addition rendered Werner somewhat insignificant, but now could be the time for him to step back into the spotlight.
The 26 year-old scored twice over the course of the weekend against Southampton and if he's able to continue in such form in Madrid, he could force his way back into Tuchel's plans, especially considering Lukaku's recent struggles on and off the pitch.
Werner isn't regarded as Chelsea's most clinical attacker, but he was once integral to Tuchel's system and on Tuesday, he could be presented with another opportunity to kickstart his career at the Bridge. It is time for Werner to remind his coach why he was valued so highly just 12 months ago.
