Thomas Tuchel reveals Andreas Christensen has dropped out of Chelsea squad more than once as Blues boss opens up on unexplained FA Cup final absence

Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has revealed the FA Cup final isn’t the first time Andreas Christensen has pulled out of his squad at short notice.

The 26-year-old Blues defender made himself unavailable for Wembley’s fixture with Liverpool, which they lost 6-5 in a fierce penalty shoot-out.

Christensen is set to join Barcelona on a free transfer this summer, when his contract at Stamford Bridge expires, ending ten years in west London.

Chelsea have already sealed Champions League qualification for next season but can secure third place with victory in their last two Premier League matches which sees them face Leicester and Watford.

And when asked if the Denmark international played his last game for the club, Tuchel replied: “I don’t know yet if he is involved tomorrow and at the weekend.

“Andreas came the morning of the game to talk to me and tell me that he is not ready to play the game, neither to start nor to be on the bench.

“He had his reasons, they remain private and confidential. But it wasn’t the first time, as you can see over the past few weeks, that we had some of the same situations.

“That’s why he hasn’t been playing as regularly lately. We thought we were in a good progression and evolution, but the conversation took place, we had to respect it and of course we respected it.

“The notice was very short now before the cup final, and not just this game, other games in other weeks. There’s no way I’ll have a prediction for tomorrow or the weekend.

Tuchel refused to criticize Christensen and hinted at deeper reasons behind the defender’s decision to withdraw from the squads.

And the German manager insists he doesn’t take it personally.

He added: “We had to accept it and we will accept it.

“I try my best not to take it personally, and I still believe Andreas wanted to play those games, I still believe he could in terms of potential and ability.

“And he’s struggled for the last few weeks, as you can see, when he wasn’t in the squad or not playing when he was physically available.

“It wasn’t completely out of blue skies. We thought we had prepared it in the best possible way with a very impressive game at Leeds. He is a key player. »