Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has revealed that he is unsure of his team selection to face Charlotte FC but has discussed Raheem Sterling and Kalidou Koulibaly’s game time.
The Blues are set for their second match of pre-season, after beating Club America 2-1 earlier during the United States tour.
Goals from Mason Mount and Timo Werner ensured victory for Tuchel’s side, who were without both Sterling and Koulibaly, due to their lack of training.
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While Sterling arrived earlier than the Senegal international, both could feature as the Blues up the intensity in pre-season.
Speaking to the press ahead of the match, Tuchel revealed that he is unsure of his team but has an idea of both his new signings’ minutes.
"It is not decided yet,” he admitted. “We have one more training session before we travel to Charlotte. Then it is all about the next steps. It's always like this, the focus is on our team.
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"We will focus a bit more on tactical issues. The focus was on the physical input against Club America."
When asked about latest signing, Koulibaly, Tuchel continued to admit that there is a chance that he features but that he is unsure.
He continued: "We are a bit torn. I have to speak to him to see what we do tomorrow, we will decide later. He is on a very individual programme, he trains with the team.
"As you can imagine we have players in third week of preparation, with completely different physical foundation. It is not a good match for him to start with the team.
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"I don't want to rule it out but it is very likely he will not play tomorrow.
"I am happy because he is a calm guy and you can see his quality, leadership. He has a certain personality that you feel when he is there."
However, there was no doubt in his mind when discussing Sterling’s potential involvement, confirming that the winger is set for the first match for Chelsea since arriving at the club.
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"He is absolutely ready to go,” he said on Sterling.
“He will be on the pitch tomorrow. He is excited to play."
It remains to be seen as to who else will be part of Tuchel’s selection, with Armando Broja, Billy Gilmour, Harvey Vale and Tino Anjorin all leaving his pre-season squad.
Koulibaly, Sterling and Conor Gallagher have been officially handed their shirt numbers for pre-season as the Blues up the levels when they face Charlotte on Thursday.
Topics: Chelsea, Thomas Tuchel, Raheem Sterling, Kalidou Koulibaly, Football, Premier League
Nick Emms