Thomas Tuchel explains why Trevoh Chalobah didn’t play for Chelsea

The Blues Academy graduate is enjoying a breakthrough season at Stamford Bridge after a string of loan spells away from the club.

While Chalobah has started the season strongly, he has fallen down the center-back pecking order and has been left out of the starting XI on a regular basis lately.

However, the 22-year-old started in Wednesday night’s 3-0 win over Leeds United at Elland Road.

That appearance could boost his chances of a place in Thomas Tuchel’s FA Cup final team to face Liverpool at Wembley on Saturday.

Tuchel is certain Chalobah can deliver when called upon but has urged the defender to ‘stay humble’ and ‘work hard’.

“He can do these things and he’s played a lot, so there’s no reason for him to be disappointed,” said Tuchel after Chelsea’s win over Leeds.

“Right from the start he had an unbelievable number of matches [of the season] and we know that. It’s normal that there is some ebb and flow in terms of positive performance, it’s normal.

“We informed the team very late today about who was playing. Maybe he hadn’t expected it. It was the same against West Ham, where he was substituted on at short notice. He delivered in both games. That’s the level he can deliver.

“It’s about consistency. He’s been a little lacking for the past few weeks and we’ve made some other decisions, which is normal. But he has to stay humble, work hard and he can be a big part of that.

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