‘I’m not sure yet if he’s involved’ – Andreas Christensen may have played his last game for Chelsea

Thomas Tuchel has admitted he doesn’t know if Andreas Christensen has already played his last game for Chelsea.

hristensen withdrew from selection for Saturday’s FA Cup final against Liverpool on the morning of the clash at Wembley Stadium.

The 26-year-old is understood to be ready to join Barcelona on a free transfer this summer after a decade in west London.

Blues boss Tuchel does not yet know whether Christensen will be available for the last two games of the season, on Thursday against Leicester and on Sunday against Watford.

Tuchel explained Christensen does not feel fit to play in the FA Cup final despite being injured and warned against assessing the Danish international’s situation.

“I’m not sure yet whether he will be there tomorrow and at the weekend,” said Tuchel.

“Andreas came to speak to me on the morning of the game and told me that he is not ready to play the game, not to start or to be on the bench.

“He had his reasons, they remain private and confidential. But it wasn’t the first time, as you can see over the past few weeks, that we’ve had some of the same situations.

“That’s why he hasn’t played as regularly in recent times. We thought we were in good progression and development but the conversation happened, we had to respect it and of course we respected it.

“It was now very short notice before the cup final, and not just this game, other games in the other weeks. I have no chance of making a prediction for tomorrow or the weekend.”

Christensen impressed in Chelsea’s 3-0 Premier League win at Leeds in their last game before the FA Cup final.

The Blues then lost the Wembley showdown on penalties 6-5 to Liverpool, with Christensen not involved at all that day.

Tuchel insisted he will not take Christensen’s situation personally as the defender is still part of the Chelsea squad.

“We had to and will accept it,” said Tuchel.

“I try my best not to take things personally and I still believe that Andreas wanted to play those games, I still believe he could in terms of potential and ability.

“And he’s had problems in recent weeks, as you can see, when he’s not in the squad or not playing, despite being physically available.

“It wasn’t entirely out of the blue. We thought we had prepared him as best we could with a very impressive game at Leeds. He’s a key player.”

Chelsea have already secured a top-four finish and Champions League football for next season but can secure third place by beating Leicester at Stamford Bridge on Thursday.

Timo Werner, Mateo Kovacic and Callum Hudson-Odoi will all be out, with Tuchel potentially switching resources after Saturday’s grueling cup final in extra time.

Kai Havertz faces a late fitness test because of his hamstring.

Chelsea have won both the European Super Cup and the Club World Cup this season and ended up losing the League Cup and FA Cup final to Liverpool on penalties.

Tuchel admitted these final defeats make him shy away from passing judgment on the campaign.

“I refuse to only judge the season by penalties,” said Tuchel.

“If we had won two penalties it would have been one of the most successful seasons you can play with four titles.

“But we are the first to admit that playing a final and winning a final are not the same.”