Hudson-Odoi came off the bench for the Blues against the Saints at half-time during our 1-1 draw, before being subbed off himself 15 minutes before the end.

Our head coach has explained that it was a tactical decision on his part and while he felt Callum could have offered more, he has hinted that the winger could start against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday evening.

‘It is not a big thing at all for me,’ said Tuchel of the decision to sub Hudson-Odoi. ‘I have spoken to Callum, and I’ve spoken to the whole group. Sometimes, these things happen in football and it was just my decision.

‘Maybe I was being harsh on him because he was on my side of the pitch and I was up close to him, but I did not feel that he was really into the game. I didn’t think he was totally sharp and that is why I took a hard decision on him. But that decision was in the moment and for that day only.

‘For me, this is absolutely not a big thing and only becomes one if people want to talk about it.

‘Callum has been fantastic for me so far and it’s on him to show me that every game and every day in training. I want him to show me that he is a reliable guy for the team when he comes on from the bench, like he is when he starts.

‘He has started a lot of games for me and in this instance, he has taken a hard decision. Now he must swallow it and come into training ready to work ahead of Atletico, a game which he has every chance of starting.’