Thomas Tuchel reveals why Timo Werner missed out for Chelsea against Crystal Palace
Speaking to Sky Sports (h/t Metro) before the match against Crystal Palace on Saturday, Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel cited form and fitness as the reason for leaving Timo Werner out from the starting XI.
The Blues made the short trip to Crystal Palace on Saturday in the Premier League. A win was a must considering how tight the top 4 race is this season.
Timo Werner was a shock exclusion from the starting XI on the day, with Christian Pulisic starting in the frontline instead of him. Kai Havertz started in a centre-forward role as Chelsea looked to reclaim 4th position on the table.
Callum Hudson-Odoi and Kurt Zouma were recalled to the line-up as Tuchel made three changes to the team that beat FC Porto 2-0 last week. And the German revealed why he decided to leave out the former RB Leipzig man.
“It’s to do with form and work-rate. With Timo, we are close to overusing him and there’s no point in doing that. Christian is in good form so I want to have the competition for the position.”
No Werner, no problem
It’s good to know there are no injury concerns with Werner and at the end of the day, the line-up was highly effective. Chelsea saw off Palace by an impressive 4-1 scoreline to move back into 4th.
Havertz opened the scoring while the American winger netted a brace in an impressive win. The Blues looked smooth in attack and were deadly in front of goal.
Werner’s absence was not felt as the Blues scored more than 2 goals under Tuchel’s reign for the first time in all competitions
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Werner would now be hoping to feature against Porto next week in the 2nd leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final.