Thomas Tuchel refuses to explain why Andreas Christensen did not play FA Cup final | OneFootball

Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has declared that the reasons behind Andreas Christensen not featuring in the FA Cup final at Wembley last weekend will remain 'private'.

Christensen's last-minute omission from the squad sparked rumours that he had refused to play due to his imminent summer move to Barcelona, although reports fed by sources close to the player insisted the Dane had been feeling unwell.

Tuchel was quizzed on the defender's situation prior to his side's Premier League meeting with Leicester this week, confirming that he won't disclose what was behind it.

"I am not sure if he is involved and on the weekend. Andreas told me on the morning of the match that he wasn't ready to start the match or be on the bench. He had his reasons but it will stay private. We had similar situations in the last weeks," the boss said.

"We had to accept it and will accept it. I believe Andreas wanted to play these matches and could in terms of potential and what he gave to the team, but he struggled over the last weeks when he wasn't in the squad or not playing.

"Although he was physically available. So it wasn't out of the blue sky."

Chelsea had been hopeful of extending Christensen's contract - which expires at the end of the season - earlier this year but, as 90min reported in March, the defender has instead opted to move to La Liga. He departs the club having made 161 appearances.