Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger has not been pictured in Chelsea training amid concerns that the German suffered an injury on international duty.
Rudiger was previously frozen out of the fold at Chelsea, but the departure of Frank Lampard and subsequent arrival of Thomas Tuchel proved to be the best thing that has happened in his career.
Fielded as the left centre-back in Tuchel’s trademark back-three, Rudiger has thrived. It has allowed him the freedom to roam forward and express himself, as well as displaying his shrewd defending both in the penalty box and in wide areas.
The defender has become invaluable for Chelsea, but the Blues could be without them as they make the trip to Premier League new-boys Brentford over the weekend.
Antonio Rudiger has not been pictured in #Chelsea training today amid injury concerns.
— Absolute Chelsea (@AbsoluteChelsea) October 14, 2021
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Rudiger skipped Germany training over the international break after complaining of discomfort in his back. His absence from Chelsea training does not bode well for Tuchel.
Chelsea will have to field either Andreas Christensen or Trevoh Chalobah as the left centre-back, but that’s a role that neither have had much of a chance to practice…