Cesar Azpilicueta
Thomas Tuchel has given updates on the fitness of Cesar Azpilicueta, Andreas Christensen and Ruben Loftus-Cheek after the trio were late withdrawals from the starting XI to face Southampton this evening. The Blues welcomed the Saints to Stamford Bridge in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup and needed penalties to claim victory after the game ended 1-1 after normal time. Kai Havertz struck late in the opening period for Chelsea but the German’s header was cancelled out by Che Adams’ close-range finish. Tuchel’s side were not at their fluid best for much of the contest. And that was perhaps down to the late changes he had to make to his side, with Azpilicueta, Christensen and Loftus-Cheek all pencilled in to start. However, the trio were all ruled out after yesterday’s final training for a variety of reasons, as Tuchel explained after tonight’s victory at Stamford Bridge.
Thomas Tuchel said: “Azpi injured his shoulder, let’s see [if he’s back on Saturday]. We hope he will be fit, he is a tough guy. Maybe he will be fit Saturday. Ruben has a pain in his hip, in his joint. Andreas had surgery and should be fine to train Thursday.”
Chelsea’s makeshift side included Saul Niguez, who was handed only his third start since joining on a season-long from Atletico Madrid on transfer deadline day. The Spaniard struggled with the pace of English football in his previous outings but looked more comfortable against the Saints tonight. He came close to scoring too; Southampton goalkeeper Fraser Forster produced three smart stops to deny Saul during the 90 minutes. Tuchel was impressed with the Spaniard’s display, especially as he improved as the game progressed rather than suffering with fatigue as he anticipated.
Thomas Tuchel said: “Was a good match, a huge step in the right direction for him. I am happy. We thought maybe he would be struggling with the intensity at the 70th minute but he got better and better, had chances and shots. We thought let’s keep him and give him the minutes. It was a good step for him.”
