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Football London
Football London
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Scott Trotter

Thomas Tuchel reveals why Antonio Rudiger is absent from Chelsea squad versus Arsenal

Antonio Rudiger has been left out of Chelsea's squad to face Arsenal after picking up a groin injury and is a doubt for the game against West Ham. It is only the third time that the 29-year-old has not completed 90 minutes in a Premier League fixture for Thomas Tuchel this season.

Rudiger completed the match against Crystal Palace as the Blues secured their place in the FA Cup final at the weekend but is absent from the squad at Stamford Bridge tonight. Callum Hudson-Odoi, Mateo Kovacic and Ben Chilwell are also missing.

Thiago Silva is once again on the bench, having been rested at Wembley as Andreas Christensen, Malang Sarr, and either Cesar Azpilicueta or Reece James complete the back three. Trevoh Chalobah returns to the matchday squad.

READ MORE: Chelsea vs Arsenal LIVE: Confirmed team news as Romelu Lukaku and Mo Elneny start, Rudiger out

Tuchel said the injury was minor but leaves him a doubt for another match against European hopefuls in West Ham. He said: "It is groin pain and a little, minor injury. It is a matter of days, I hope, and the doctors told me that today is unfortunately too soon, but he will be close for the West Ham game."

Elsewhere in Chelsea's team news, Romelu Lukaku starts as Kai Havertz drops to the bench. The Belgian will be hoping to rediscover the form he showed at the Emirates when he bullied the Gunners' defence on his second debut for the club.

Jorginho drops to the bench as N'Golo Kante returns to the side, and Ruben Loftus-Cheek is handed a start after his impressive performance from the bench against Palace, having replaced the injured Kovacic on that afternoon.

Chelsea XI: Mendy; James, Christensen, Sarr; Azpilicueta, Loftus-Cheek, Kante, Alonso; Mount, Lukaku, Werner

Chelsea substitutes: Kepa, Chalobah, Silva, Jorginho, Saul, Barkley, Havertz, Pulisic, Ziyech.

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