Thomas Tuchel explains Antonio Rudiger injury absence after Arsenal blow

AFP via Getty Images
Jonathan Gorrie20 April 2022

Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel hopes to have Antonio Rudiger back for the visit of West Ham United on Sunday.

The defender, a key part of the first-team ever since Tuchel replaced Frank Lampard in early 2021, missed Wednesday’s game with Arsenal with Malang Sarr brought into the first-team as a result.

Rudiger could be in his final days as a Chelsea player with his contract set to expire at the end of the season amid the takeover uncertainty at Stamford Bridge.

The likes of Juventus, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich have all been linked with a move for the 29-year-old who moved to the club from Roma in 2017.

The German international could yet win the sixth trophy of his Chelsea career when Tuchel leads his side out in the FA Cup final next month.

Chelsea host West Ham on Sunday before a tight scheduled which continues with games against Manchester United, Everton and Wolves to come.

“It is groin pain and a little, minor injury. It is a matter of days, I hope, and the doctors told me that today is unfortunately too soon, but he will be close for the West Ham game,” said Tuchel.

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