Tuchel promotes youngster to first team squad

Chelsea youngster Levi Colwill has been promoted to the first-team squad until the end of the season because of Andreas Christensen’s injury

Christensen limped off during the Blues’ 2-1 win at Manchester City on Saturday with a tendon problem and has not been able to train since.

And Goal.com reports that 18-year-old centre-back Colwill has been drafted in as cover.

Colwill has impressed for Chelsea’s development side this summer and is one of many youngsters the club have high hopes for.

Another is Billy Gilmour, but the Scot had an unhappy night as the Blues were beaten 1-0 at home by Arsenal on Wednesday night.

Gilmour was substituted at half-time by Thomas Tuchel, who sent on Callum Hudson-Odoi in his place and deployed Mason Mount in a deeper role.

Speaking at his post-match press conference, boss Tuchel defended Gilmour and insisted he had given an “absolutely OK” performance during the first half.

Tuchel added: “Arsenal defended so deep and we wanted to have Mason there to have an offensive player.

“It was not because Billy was bad that we had a tactical change and tried to put more offensive power.

“It’s clear that it’s very hard for him because we lacked N’Golo (Kante) and Mateo Kovacic in midfield.

“This is huge for us and it’s not fair to put it all on his shoulders. He was by far not the problem.”