Chelsea

Chelsea

Premier League • England

Astonishing reason given for Andreas Christensen absence from Chelsea team in FA Cup final

Chelsea man Andreas Christensen

A report has revealed the sensational reason why Andreas Christensen missed Chelsea’s FA Cup defeat against Liverpool.

In an exact repeat of their Carabao Cup final loss to Liverpool, the clash went to extra time and then penalties after a 0-0 draw in normal time. Cesar Azpilicueta hit the post, while Mason Mount and Sadio Mane had their penalties saved as Liverpool won 6-5 in sudden death.

Like in their previous matches this season, Chelsea and Liverpool effectively cancelled each other out.

This was a good achievement for the Blues given their injury problems. Thomas Tuchel was without forwards Kai Havertz and Timo Werner. Mateo Kovacic, meanwhile, managed 66 minutes despite not being fully fit.

Tuchel also had to put young defender Trevoh Chalobah on the right side of a back three due to Christensen being missing from the squad.

The Evening Standard provide a report explaining why Christensen was nowhere to be seen at Wembley. They claim the Denmark international asked Tuchel to take his name out of the starting eleven on the morning of the match.

Christensen was fully fit and Chelsea coaches were expecting him to play alongside Thiago Silva and Antonio Rudiger at the back.

But Christensen refused, forcing Tuchel to change his team and bring Chalobah into the mix.

Andreas Christensen pulls out of FA Cup final squad

According to Evening Standard sources, Christensen had been ill during the week leading up to the final.

However, he wasn’t struggling with any problems on the day of the game – but still opted not to feature.

The 26-year-old has already angered Chelsea officials by deciding not to renew his contract at Stamford Bridge.

As his current deal runs out on June 30, Christensen can leave the Blues on a free transfer this summer.

His most likely next destination is Barcelona. That’s because Christensen has agreed personal terms with the Spanish club, with his new contract set to last until 2027.

The decision from Christensen is a hugely surprising one. Even though he is set to leave, he should want to help Chelsea win the FA Cup in his final season with the club.

It may have been Christensen’s last shot at silverware for a couple of seasons, too. That depends on how long Xavi’s rebuild at Barcelona takes.

Unfortunately for Chelsea, there is little they can do about the matter. Christensen is unlikely to receive punishment given Chelsea only have two games left this term.

Meanwhile, Chelsea hope to land Real Madrid’s Casemiro this summer, although Liverpool’s plans may end up affecting this pursuit.