Tuchel explains why Chilwell hasn't played for Chelsea

The English full-back hasn’t made a competitive appearance for Chelsea since last season’s Champions League final.

Thomas Tuchel has explained that Ben Chilwell is still getting back up to speed for Chelsea.

The Blues boss has favored Marcos Alonso as his chosen left wing-back. The Spaniard has started in all of Chelsea’s four games this season, including the UEFA Super Cup win over Villarreal.

Chilwell, on the other hand, returned late after England reached the Euro 2020 final. The 24-year-old didn’t see a minute of action in the tournament, and he now finds himself behind Alonso in the Chelsea pecking order.

“For Ben Chilwell, it’s very easy,” said Tuchel as quoted on Goal. “He came back with the latest group [after the Euros and holiday].

“When he arrived, Marcos Alonso had five weeks in his legs from pre-season. He played the first competitive matches after a fantastic pre-season. He was simply way more ready physically, which was natural because of the training session and his fantastic games.

“He played the Super Cup final and three Premier League games. Also, we only have three substitutions allowed, and this is a huge problem.”

The German added: “Chilly needed his time in training to adapt to the intensity. He is ready now, but now wasn’t the time to push him into the cold water.”

Chilwell, who hasn’t made the England squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers next month, hopes to get his big break on September 11 when Chelsea face Aston Villa in the Premier League.