The 28-year-old sat out the midweek draw in St Petersburg with what Tuchel described as a much-needed break, though he is expected to return to the Chelsea back three this weekend for the Premier League visit of Leeds United.

However, the defender’s contract negotiations remain ongoing, with his current deal due to expire in the summer, and Tuchel has reflected on the competing factors of Rudiger’s enduring importance within the group alongside the need to do the best for the club.

‘We absolutely accept and are fully aware of the importance of Toni and the role that he’s playing on and off the pitch,’ said Tuchel. ‘There is no doubt about that.

‘It’s true that nobody is bigger than the club and this is a team effort and a strong club. It’s not only about Toni and I mean that in the best way because we know what he’s doing and we’re fully aware of it.

‘In the end, we need a bit of patience. I have no update right now.’

Rudiger will make his 22nd club appearance of the season if selected against Leeds, though the Blues have had to contend with a more difficult run in recent games that has seen us win just one of the past four in all competitions.

While Tuchel has pinpointed various aspects of the slight drop in standards, he does not believe that the Chelsea number two’s form has suffered too much and expects him to be firing on all cylinders today after the midweek rest.

‘With Toni, his dip in form is very, very slight, if there is even one,’ added the Blues head coach.

‘He’s played so much that he needed the break we gave him but I honestly expect him to be in top shape now.’