Cesar Azpilicueta has reportedly been left out of numerous starting lineups for Chelsea due to a decrease in his fitness capacity.
According to Goal, the club captain has struggled ‘to match the physical output he has managed in recent seasons.’
This explains Thomas Tuchel’s reasoning for regularly leaving the Spain international on the bench this campaign.
Already, the defender has sat out six Premier League games, including significant clashes with Manchester United and West Ham United.
He also began as a substitute in the 4-0 Champions League dismantling of Juventus, but did play the final 19 minutes.
His current situation is in stark contrast to last term, where the 32-year-old rarely missed a moment under Tuchel.
In 2020/21, the skipper was benched just three times across all competitions by the German coach.
Azpilicueta deserves a break
It is perhaps no surprise that Azpilicueta is only now feeling the effects of nearly a decade of dedication to Chelsea.
Arguably the most consistent player to pull on a blue jersey in the last ten years, the Spaniard always applies 100% commitment and hard work to every second he’s on the pitch.
Plus, featuring in all manner of positions must take a toll on the body, not to mention the mind.
Originally signed as a right-back, Azpilicueta has since featured at left-back, both wing-backs and centre-back.
Also, he is no longer a spring chicken.
The legs must be feeling heavier than ever before, not helped by the ferocity of the fixture schedule.
Although Azpi might be winding down the clock, his time at Chelsea will never be forgotten.
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