Thomas Tuchel Explains Why Chelsea Star Is Yet To Play A Game This Season

Thomas Tuchel has revealed why defender Ben Chilwell is yet to play for Chelsea in the underway 2021-22 season.

Chilwell, who joined Chelsea in the summer of 2020, last appeared for The Blues in the final of Champions League 2020-21, which Tuchel's side won by beating Manchester City. Even though Chilwell was drafted into England's squad for the Euros 2020, he failed to make an appearance for the Three Lions, who eventually lost to Italy in the final.

Tuchel has preferred Marcos Alonso as the left-back ahead of Chilwell so far in the season for Chelsea.

"For Ben Chilwell, it's very easy. He came back with the latest group [after the Euros and holiday]. When he arrived Marcos Alonso had five weeks in his legs from pre-season. He played the first competitive matches after a fantastic pre-season. He was simply way more ready physically which was natural because of the training session and his fantastic games. He played the Super Cup final and three Premier League games. Also, we only have three substitutions allowed and this is a huge problem," Tuchel was quoted by Goal, as saying in a recent interview.

Chelsea produced a great show of defense as they held Liverpool FC at a 1-1 draw at Anfield in their latest Premier League meeting.

"Chilly needed his time in training to adapt to the intensity. He is ready now but now wasn't the time to push him into the cold water. It is a bit sad because you have more tactical opportunities if you have five changes. I don't understand the arguments of the little teams that they have a disadvantage in this case. I was also a coach of a little team and I would have loved to have five players available. I would have made them run 16km against the top teams. I think it is a huge disadvantage in general in Europe but why do I complain?" added Tuchel, who was named the UEFA Manager of the Year 2020-21.

With the international break underway, Chilwell would not be seen playing for England. He was not even picked in Gareth Southgate's squad. The likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Luke Shaw, Reece James, Kieran Trippier and Kyle Walker are among the full-back options for England ahead of their World Cup qualifiers matches Hungary, Andorra and Poland.

After the international break, Chilwell will aim to make his first appearance of the season when Chelsea take on Aston Villa on Sept. 11. With two wins and a draw, Chelsea are placed fourth in the 2021- Premier League table.