Exclusive: Antonio Rudiger dismissed from Chelsea training early after Kepa Arrizabalaga...

[ASFN Admin]

Thomas Tuchel sent Antonio Rudiger in early from training on Sunday after the defender was involved in a bust-up with Kepa Arrizabalaga less than 24 hours after the Chelsea head coach had warned his players not to lose their heads in the wake of the 5-2 defeat by West Bromwich Albion. Tuchel saw his 14-game unbeaten run smashed at Stamford Bridge on Saturday and responded by reiterating the need for calm. But tempers boiled over in training on Easter Sunday, as Kepa and Rudiger were involved in a heated argument that resulted in a pushing match between the pair before Tuchel sent the German into the changing-rooms five minutes before the end of the session to calm down. Sources claim the argument was sparked in a small-sided game, in which defender Rudiger went in late on Kepa, who reacted and the heated argument quickly escalated into pushes being exchanged. Chelsea players pulled their team-mates apart and Tuchel reacted immediately, deciding that Rudiger was not calming down quickly enough to take part in the final five minutes of training, so sent him in early to cool down with goalkeeper Kepa completing the session. Rudiger is understood to have apologised to Kepa off his own back later on and Tuchel is understood to be happy that the incident is now closed and there will not be any lasting resentment. Rudiger and Kepa were not the only players to fall-out after the West Brom defeat, as captain Cesar Azpilicueta and Reece James are also said to have been involved in a frank exchange of views in the dressing-room immediately after the game.

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