Thomas Tuchel has told the official Chelsea website a collision between Edouard Mendy and Cesar Azpilicueta ruled the Spaniard out of last night’s friendly against Charlotte.
The 32-year-old was one of four first team players who didn’t feature in the defeat on penalties to the MLS side, which also saw forward Timo Werner miss out.
The Spaniard was spotted at the stadium, however was not fit enough to feature as the club continue to prepare for their opening Premier League fixture against Everton.
Tuchel revealed he was not available due to a training incident with the Senegalese goalkeeper, although admitted it was an injury they may have risked if there was more importance on the fixture.
He said: “Azpi took a big knock above his knee on his muscle in training. He ran into Edou [Mendy] in an accident and is in some discomfort but if it was a Premier League match then I think we would have taken the risk.
“We just felt that today it was not worth it in case he did any further damage and is out for another three or four days.”
Tuchel explains Azpilicueta absence
Azpilicueta’s future is still unclear, with reports speculating all summer long that he was hoping for a move to Barcelona.
The clubs are currently locked in a race to sign Frenchman Jules Kounde from Sevilla, with the 23-year-old likely being touted as a replacement for their club captain.
However, there is still a threat that the Catalan side beat them to the deal, potentially impacting their desire to sign the Spain international.
The ideal scenario would see the Blues sign Kounde this summer, allowing the 32-year-old to move from after winning every trophy available in his decade long spell with Chelsea.
The Frenchman shows the same versatility that Azpilicueta does in the fact he can play at both right-back and centre-back, a trait the Blues will be keen to have in their ranks as they decide on a starting formation for next season.
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