Thomas Tuchel handed Barcelona dilemma as Chelsea's unavoidable £31m transfer wait edges closer

Thomas Tuchel has been handed a tough decision regarding the management of Andreas Christensen amid growing speculation concerning the defender's future.

The 25-year-old, whose contract at Stamford Bridge expires at the end of the season, has been subject to interest from Barcelona.

Christensen has seemingly put his all eggs in the Catalan side's basket, having signed a contract until 2027, according to transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano who stamped the rumour with his synonymous 'here we go'.

Romano claims that talks are ongoing to finalise the last details between either party, leaving Tuchel in a predicament as to how he should utilise the centre-half until the end of the season.

So, we Carefree Chelsea at threw our thoughts into a hat and decided whether we would start Christensen as normal, bench him or drop him from the squad.

My heart is telling me to drop him from the squad entirely, but my head is telling me that Chelsea should still make use of what he brings to the table.

I think 'relegating' the Dane from week in, week out, first-team opportunities and 'promoting' Trevoh Chalobah is the most viable option that gives Tuchel the best of both worlds.

And, I think the Cobham graduate has a great case for featuring in the Blues' best back-three anyway; play Christensen where needed in accordance with Chelsea's objectives this season.

What I think would change my mind and lead me to start him is if he follows Antonio Rudiger's path of practice - just decide at the end of the season.

I am benching him. There's not much for me to say. I firmly believe that the Blues will need to play with intent for the future, and unfortunately, Christensen is no longer in it. He has decided to leave the club at the end of the