Why Antonio Rudiger was left out of Arsenal clash – Tuchel finally reveals
Chelsea in-form defender Antonio Rudiger has been left out of Chelsea’s squad to face Arsenal after picking up a groin injury and is a doubt for the game against West Ham.
However, It is only the third time that the 29-year-old has not completed 90 minutes in a Premier League fixture for Thomas Tuchel this season.
Rudiger completed the match against Crystal Palace as the Blues secured their place in the FA Cup final at the weekend but is absent from the squad at Stamford Bridge tonight. Callum Hudson-Odoi, Mateo Kovacic and Ben Chilwell are also missing.
Thiago Silva is once again on the bench, having been rested at Wembley as Andreas Christensen, Malang Sarr, and either Cesar Azpilicueta or Reece James complete the back three. Trevoh Chalobah returns to the matchday squad.
Tuchel said the injury was minor but leaves him a doubt for another match against European hopefuls in West Ham. He said: “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.”