Chelsea team-mates ‘shocked’ as Andreas Christensen reportedly refused to play in FA Cup final

The Dane is expected to join Barcelona in the summer

Chelsea defender Andreas Christensen reportedly pulled out of the squad to face Liverpool on the day of their FA Cup final against the Reds. The 26-year-old played the full 90 minutes in the Blues' 3-0 triumph over Leeds United last Wednesday, and was expected to play a part in the final at Wembley on Saturday.

Christensen pulled out on the day of the FA Cup final

However, Christensen informed Thomas Tuchel on the morning of the match that he would be unavailable for his side's clash against Liverpool, despite not carrying an injury. As reported by the Telegraph, sources close to the Dane claim that he had felt unwell in the week leading up to the game and did not expect to start against Jurgen Klopp's men. https://twitter.com/AdamNewson/status/1525957750257340416 Meanwhile, The Guardian claim that Chelsea's players were 'shocked and confused' by Christensen's decision to withdraw from the squad on the day of the game.

Tuchel admits it'll be 'tough' to lose Rüdiger and Christensen

Christensen asked to be substituted at half time during the Blues' 4-2 defeat to Arsenal last month due to injury, and also pulled out of the squad to face West Ham after suffering from stomach cramps.

The Dane is expected to leave Stamford Bridge at the end of the season and complete a move to Barcelona, with Chelsea boss Tuchel admitting that the London club might struggle to close the gap on Liverpool and Manchester City in the summer.

Speaking after the penalty shootout defeat to Klopp's side at the weekend, the German said: "It’s maybe impossible, I have to say.