Tuchel explains why his captain was absent against Charlotte FC

Cesar Azpilicueta training
Photo: Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

Chelsea skipper Cesar Azpilicueta was absent from the team that played out a 1-1 draw with Charlotte FC in the early hours of Thursday morning.

Azpilicueta has been linked with a move to Barcelona, and many had thought that the captain’s absence was as a result of an imminent transfer deal.

Speaking after the game, Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel rather revealed that Azpilicueta was absent due to an injury he suffered in training.

“Azpi had a big knock above his knee in his muscle, he ran into Edou, it was a training accident,” Tuchel said.

“If it was a Premier League match we would’ve taken the risk but the risk was too big that maybe he takes another hit and is maybe three or four days and it was not worth it.”

Tuchel was unhappy with his team’s performance in the 1-1 draw, but was however pleased with the impact of new signing Raheem Sterling.

“I saw four accelerations in the second half I think and they all came from Raheem Sterling,” Thomas Tuchel said after the game against Charlotte FC.

“There is no need for major doubts or criticism, but it’s never important what the manager has in his head ahead of pre-season.”