Thomas Tuchel admits Chelsea players are 'drained' ahead of Premier League match at Leeds

Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has admitted that his players are “drained” after a challenging season for the Premier League club.

The Blues take on take on Leeds United on Wednesday, followed by Liverpool in the FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium three days later – having lost to Jurgen Klopp's team on penalties in the League Cup final in February.

Tuchel also saw his team lose their Champions League crown after an extra-time defeat to Real Madrid in the quarter-finals, when they fought back from losing the first leg 3-1 only to go out 5-4 on aggregate.

Chelsea currently sit third in the Premier League but are only one point ahead of Arsenal after managing just one win in their past five games, the last of which saw them throw away a two-goal lead against Wolves.

There is also the continuing uncertainty regarding Roman Abramovich's proposed sale of the club, which came as a result of UK government sanctions following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, for the players to deal with.

Chelsea's prospective new owner Todd Boehly was in the stands at Stamford Bridge on Saturday but Tuchel revealed that he has yet to meet or speak with him.

“We look a bit drained, tired mentally. You look at our games and it's understandable,” said Tuchel, ahead of the match against struggling Leeds at Elland Road.

CHELSEA RATINGS: Edouard Mendy - 6, Kept his focus well to deny Pedro Neto and Hwang Hee-chan in either half, but there was nothing he could do about the late goals. AFP

“We had some big knockout games after the international break, with a huge emotional impact – losing to Real Madrid, beating Real Madrid but still being out of the Champions League.

“It's another reason and everybody knows it. Still, even being tired and distracted, we need