Timo Werner had admitted in a recent interview that he may be interested in leaving Chelsea for a new club.

Signed up for £47.5m two years ago, much was expected of the German attacker, but he has so far failed to live up to expectations.

Werner has shown glimpses of his explosive nature in some games, but consistency has been his major problem.

Werner was absent in Chelsea’s friendly tie against Charlotte FC, and Thomas Tuchel explained that he had a slight hamstring problem which he didn’t want to risk.

Quizzed on Werner’s comments that he could be happy at a different club, Tuchel admitted his surprise as he replied: “I’m surprised, I would be very happy as a young guy having a contract at Chelsea Football Club. I would be one of the happiest people on the planet.”

Tuchel confirmed Werner remains in his plans for the coming season but insisted that he must take his place by being consistent.

Tuchel said: “Show quality, take your place and defend your place. I would be one of the happiest people on the planet having a contract with Chelsea. If he said this, I do not understand.”