Thomas Tuchel 'Super Happy' To See Ben Chilwell Return To Chelsea's Starting XI Against Club America

Thomas Tuchel has expressed his delight after Ben Chilwell’s performance for Chelsea against Club America.

The wing-back spent the majority of last season on the sidelines after suffering an ACL injury.

The Blues were top of the league before Chilwell’s injury, going off as a substitute in a 4-0 victory over Juventus back in November.

However, the England international has worked hard to recover and made an appearance on the last day of the season, at home to Watford.

Chilwell came off the bench on that occasion but has continued to work hard at Cobham, and was handed a start against Club America.

Tuchel has now heaped praise on his left wing-back following his return to the starting line-up.

When asked about his return to action, Tuchel said: "We are super happy that he's back, and you can see it's a difference from training to the game, and he will take his time. 

“He will get this time because he deserves it. We will support him on his way back, and it was good for him. I'm happy nobody is injured after a physical game and physical two weeks. I'm happy that he's back."

This comes after fellow wing-back Reece James has admitted that Chilwell’s return is a ‘great addition’ to the Blues.

"He had a significant injury last year and it’s hard to be in the right frame of mind to keep on with your rehab, so he’s done well to get back much quicker than he was meant to be."

"He’s a great addition to have back this year and start the next season.”

Chilwell is not the only addition to the squad next season, with Chelsea completing a deal for Raheem Sterling from Manchester City already this summer.

Tuchel then added to Sterling’s signing, bringing in Kalidou Koulibaly from Napoli in a £34 million deal.

With Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen having already departed this summer, Chelsea are in need of central defenders.

Cesar Azpilicueta is also being heavily linked with a move to Barcelona, with Chelsea looking in the transfer market for replacements.

Paris Saint-Germain’s Presnel Kimpembe has been recently linked, while Chelsea could also look to bring in Jules Kounde from Sevilla.

With Chilwell returning, Tuchel will be hoping that his side can push on and challenge at the top of the Premier League next season.

But first, they will complete their pre-season tour of the United States, facing Charlotte FC and Arsenal in the coming weeks.