Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel revealed Antonio Rudiger missed Wednesday night’s Premier League clash at home to Arsenal due to a groin injury.
Malang Sarr started in place of the German international as the Blues hosted Mikel Arteta’s Gunners at Stamford Bridge.
Speaking just before the match, Tuchel said the defender picked a minor groin injury during the FA Cup win over the weekend.
His absence came as a surprise though as Tuchel did not indicate he was a doubt during his pre-match conference.
“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.”
Rudiger was not the only one out with a minor injury, with Mateo Kovacic also joining out for at least two weeks.
“Kova is out for the game, ligament injury. Hopefully not longer than two weeks. This is a long time for us in terms of games,” said Tuchel ahead of the London derby.
“Hopefully as short as possible. Callum Hudson-Odoi out for the game, Ben Chilwell out for the game. Some players in doubt which we need to be examining but hopefully the rest is okay.”
Tuchel and company will be hoping Rudiger recovers in time for the weekend clash against David Moyes’ Hammers, in what will be a third consecutive London derby at Stamford Bridge.
