Christian Pulisic and Andreas Christensen were two of the star performers for Chelsea in our impressive Champions League showing against Real Madrid in midweek, having also been in the starting line-up for the win at West Ham last weekend, so it remains to be seen what level of involvement they will have in the west London derby, but in his pre-match media conference, Tuchel was asked about Pulisic’s ability to live up to Eden Hazard, a player he almost shared a pitch with on Tuesday. Our American came off in the same minute our former star was introduced into the Real team.‘He [Pulisic] took his [Hazard’s Chelsea] shirt number so now he has to live with it!’ joked Tuchel about the two being compared.‘So he has a bit of influence on the comparisons, but if people do this [compare], maybe they think about it in the best way.

‘I am happy that he arrives in the decisive moment of the season in top shape. The key points for him is that he feels confident in his body, calm in his mind and he feels free on the pitch. When he feels like this he can be a decisive guy for us and this is what he proves at the moment. He gives us a big physicality.‘We have to see how we put him on the pitch tomorrow, if he starts or if he comes from the bench, but we are very happy that he is decisive and he steps up and plays full of confidence. It is good for us.’

While speaking to reporters after the Madrid game, Christensen was asked about his contract situation and while he said there have been no talks about an extension yet, he sees himself at Chelsea for the long run.‘It’s best if he talks on the pitch, and as long as he is on the pitch and as long as he plays like he plays, he has all arguments, all rights to be here,’ added Tuchel.‘I think he is happy to be here, I am happy he is here, so I will not get involved in any other situation, in talks and negotiations. I never did and I never will, but I think he speaks for himself on the pitch and this is the most important. It is not the moment to get distracted with any other issues.’

Another Chelsea Academy graduate Ruben Loftus-Cheek has been on loan at Fulham this season, earning valuable game-time after the serious injury that slowed his progress at Stamford Bridge. The regulations do not permit him to turn out against us this weekend but Tuchel was asked if the midfielder could be part of his squad next season.‘It is not decided yet,’ the head coach revealed.‘I was quite a fan of him when he was even younger - he is still young - but when he came up from the Academy to professional football here at Chelsea.‘He reminded us a little bit in his style of play and his movements of Michael Ballack. There were some links about him maybe moving to the German league, so we were well aware of him and his talents.

‘I don’t know why things did not work out maybe like he wished and everybody wished. He is on loan now and he is doing good. It would not be fair if I judge him from TV and from hearsay. I love to work with players and then give my opinion, maybe also pretty quickly, but from a direct impression which is what we don’t have.‘I don’t know what his idea is, I don’t know what my opinion or what the club’s opinion is, so there is no decision made yet.’