Andreas Christensen’s late withdrawal from the Chelsea team before the FA Cup final, according to Thomas Tuchel, is “not the first time” the defender has felt unable to play this season.

According to an international sports website, Christensen was scheduled to play against Liverpool in last Saturday’s Wembley showdown.

Tuchel claimed on Wednesday that the Denmark center-back informed him on the day of the final that he was not fit to participate.

“He had his reasons,” the German added.

“They remain personal and private.”

“However, as you can see during the last weeks, we had some of the same problems why he did not play as regularly,” Tuchel continued.

“We thought we were progressing and doing well because he was outstanding in the games before the final versus Leeds.”

“But the conversation happened, and we had to respect it, which we did, and he has our support.”

Chelsea will visit Leicester at Stamford Bridge on Thursday in their first meeting since losing the final on penalties.

The Blues have secured a position in the Champions League group stage next season, but a win versus Leicester will secure third place in the table.

After agreeing to a deal with Barcelona, Christensen, 26, is poised to leave Chelsea this summer.

Tuchel said he was “not sure” if the player will play at Leicester or at home against demoted Watford on the last day of the Premier League season on Sunday.

He continued, “It was really short notice before the cup final, and not only this match, but other matches in the previous weeks.”

“I don’t think I’ll be able to make any predictions for tomorrow or the weekend.”