Alan Shearer was “surprised” by Thomas Tuchel’s decision to leave Timo Werner out of the Chelsea side for the FA Cup final against Liverpool.
Romelu Lukaku, having scored three goals in his last two outings, retained his place up front for the game at Wembley.
Kai Havertz missed out because of a hamstring injury, but Blues boss Tuchel opted to select Christian Pulisic rather Werner in support of Lukaku up front.
Speaking on BBC One ahead of the game, former England striker said: “There are no surprises in the Liverpool team. I’m surprised that Timo Werner is not playing – because of his pace, because of the high line we know Liverpool like to play.”
Tuchel, meanwhile, was able to include Mateo Kovacic after the Croatian midfielder was passed fit despite limping off with an ankle injury against Leeds in midweek.
Tuchel told BBC Radio 5 Live: “I couldn’t believe it but he trained yesterday. He wants to play. We take the risk and see if it works in the match.
“There was no need to change up top. Why break the rhythm? You don’t need to lift anyone for a cup final. We are close to the stadium, we see the arch every day.”
