It will be difficult but we will find a solution: Tuchel speaks on replacement for Rudiger

Chelsea manager Thomas Tuche has confirmed the departure of German defender Antonio Rudiger from the club at the end of this season.

Rudiger will see his current contract lapse this summer and has turned down the Blues’ move to extend his stay.

Tuchel confirms this Germany international will leave Chelsea in the summer

He has now been linked with moves to Real Madrid.

Speaking about finding a replacement for the German defender, Tuchel stressed that it would be difficult, but the club would find a replacement.

“At the moment, it is not possible because of the sanctions. And even when the sanctions are in the past, it will be incredibly difficult. Toni is what he is. He is a big personality, a big leader, he takes the fear away from other people, gives you confidence when he is next to you and has played 50-60 matches over 90 minutes with incredible consistency. So it will be challenging, but like always, no matter how much I love Toni and how big a role he played, there will be Chelsea without Toni Rudiger, and we will find solutions.”