Chelsea have confirmed that forward Timo Werner amongst a few others have not travelled for the pre-season clash against Udinese as RB Leipzig rumours strengthen.
Werner, 26, has had his future in west London questioned after comments made during the pre-season tour of the United States clearly hit a nerve with manager Thomas Tuchel. "I'm surprised, I would be very happy as a young guy having a contract at Chelsea Football Club.
"I would be one of the happiest people on the planet." Since these comments came out, transfer speculation has rumbled on as all of Borussia Dortmund, Juventus, Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig have been linked to a move for the misfiring forward.
READ MORE: Thomas Tuchel's true feelings on Timo Werner transfer exit revealed amid Juventus interest
The 26-year-old had netted once in pre-season in the Club America match and put in poor outings against Charlotte FC and Arsenal. The final pre-season outing in Italy would have given a chance for redemption as the Everton Premier League opener fast approaches.
But, as transfer rumours build, one thing that will heighten the speculation is an absence at this stage from the squad, and that's exactly what has happened.
Chelsea, when confirming the travelling cohort which also did not contain youngster Levi Colwill, explained their No.11's absence with one simple line: "Timo Werner has remained at Cobham with the medical department."
Of course, this suggests that an injury has been picked up in training upon the return from America. But at this stage of the transfer window, there could also be a hidden message too.
This latest injury absence coincides with rumours of an RB Leipzig return strengthening, and one of his former colleagues really wants to see this reunion happen before the September deadline.
"I hope he is coming back, he is a good player," Yussuf Poulsen said in a press conference via insidefutbol.com. "We are a team that are trying to take the next step and develop into one of the biggest clubs in Europe.
"You need quality players for that. We formed a good partnership in the past."
Despite Tuchel's recent admission that some players are contemplating their futures as a Blue, reports surfaced on Thursday suggesting that he wants to block any Werner exit this summer. Could this be an indication that Todd Boehly is struggling to recruit another forward to compliment new recruit Raheem Sterling? Only time will tell.
Chelsea fans- At this point of the transfer window, would you let Timo Werner leave? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below!
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