Thomas Tuchel opens door to Ross Barkley exit

Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has refused to rule out a move elsewhere for Ross Barkley.

The 28-year-old continues to struggle for opportunities in Chelsea's first XI and has made just 12 appearances in all competitions in the 2021-22 campaign.

Barkley did not make the starting lineup for Saturday's FA Cup thrashing of Chesterfield, leading to more questions over his long-term future at the club.

Tuchel has now opened the door to a departure for Barkley, telling reporters: "We haven't discussed it yet [loan deal]. It depends what Ross wants and what possibilities there are and what makes sense. Let's see.

"There's always a chance it is not like it is the FA Cup and here's your chance. There's always a chance to make it onto the pitch, especially with a lot of Covid and injury cases. The situation has not changed, not for Ross, not for anybody else."

Barkley has registered 11 goals and 11 assists in 98 games for Chelsea since arriving from Everton three years ago, but he has only started one Premier League game this term.