Thomas Tuchel gives update on injured Chelsea trio

Chelsea's list of absentees continues to grow every week, with Thomas Tuchel providing a fresh update on another three fitness concerns for the Blues following Tuesday night's dramatic penalty shootout victory over Southampton in the Carabao Cup.

The west Londoners booked their place in the quarter-finals via spot-kicks after Che Adams had cancelled out Kai Havertz's first-half opener. Mason Mount missed his penalty, but Theo Walcott and Will Smallbone's errors meant the European champions progressed to the next round.

Following the penalty shootout drama, Tuchel said Chelsea and Southampton put on 'an intense match of football,' while discussing injured trio Cesar Azpilicueta, Andreas Christensen and Ruben Loftus-Cheek's separate problems.

"It was an intense match of football, nice to watch for the spectators. It was an open fight, an intense match. We did a good shootout, a lot of quality. Kepa saved one, it was a miss too. There were a lot of changes.

“We hope Azpi is back [for Saturday]. He had a shoulder injury yesterday after a little accident in training. He fell on his shoulder and it is very painful but it is Azpi and he is a tough guy.

“Andreas needed surgery on his tooth and he should be back, if no complications, Thursday in training.

“Ruben felt some pain after training in the hip joint and hopefully we can handle it until Saturday.“

Tuchel offered his congratulations to Chelsea's backup goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga as his penalty saved proved vital, as well as making some impressive stops over the course of the 90 minutes.

"When everyone thinks about stoppage time and penalties it is a dangerous moment, you can lose concentration. It was important that Kepa kept us in the game with the double header save from the set pieces."

Another man who earned some much needed minutes was Saul. The Atletico Madrid loanee played the entire game against Saints and Tuchel admitted he was surprised by the midfielder's fitness and intensity.

"It was a good match, a huge step in the right direction for him. I am happy. We thought maybe he would be struggling with the intensity at the 70th minute but he got better and better, had chances and shots. We thought let’s keep him and give him the minutes. It was a good step for him."