Christensen pulled out of Chelsea clash earlier this season before refusing to play in FA Cup final, reveals Tuchel

THOMAS TUCHEL has revealed that Andreas Christensen pulled out of the Chelsea squad on more than one occasion this season.

Christensen, 26, withdrew from the FA Cup final party on Saturday morning - just hours before kick-off.

He was expected to start the game, so the Blues boss was forced into an emergency defensive reshuffle with Trevoh Chalobah coming in as his replacement.

But, Tuchel has now confirmed that Christensen has left the squad on multiple occasions this season.

He said: "Andreas came the morning of the match to tell me he's not ready.

"He had his reasons, they stay private and confidential. It was not the first time as you can see.

"Over the last weeks that we had the same situations."

Chelsea went on to lose 6-5 on penalties to Liverpool after extra time.

Christensen will leave Chelsea when his contract expires at the end of the season.

He has reportedly agreed a five-year deal with Barcelona.

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Tuchel is aware of his upcoming departure, but he has insisted that this is not the reason for the defender's behaviour.

He added: "I don't think that it's that he does not want to play. There is a big difference.

"I don't know the reason but he is always very nervous. I don't know what to say. We had to accept it and we will accept it.

"I try the best I can to not take things personally. I still believe that Andreas wanted to play and I still believe that he could."

Chelsea could risk losing two more defenders to Barcelona at the end of the season.

Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso have also been linked with a move to the Nou Camp.

Meanwhile, Antonio Rudiger is set to leave for Real Madrid.