Chelsea stars fear Thomas Tuchel could be forced to QUIT and feel transfer ban is ‘costing them key players’

CHELSEA players believe the sanctions placed on them by the Government could force Thomas Tuchel to quit the club, according to reports.

Boss Tuchel claimed the club have been left with their "hands tied" as Antonio Rudiger is set to leave.

Rudiger, 29, is due to bank almost £60million with his mega move to Real Madrid.

And report the squad "fear" the complications could "push" Tuchel out the club too.

The Stamford Bridge dressing room are concerned they are "powerless" as they wait for sanctions and this could harm the squad.

Fellow defender Andreas Christensen's contract is also set to expire in the summer.

And he could be heading to Barcelona as president Joan Laporta has all but confirmed the signing.

Cesar Azpilicueta could be joining him in Catalonia, despite triggering an extension.

The report claims: "Tuchel blamed the departure of the German on the sanctions and described the situation as 'disappointing'.

"He has been powerless over the future of Rudiger and Christensen and is unable to seek replacements until the takeover is completed.

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"Players fear that the problems could push the coach towards the exit."

Tuchel spoke about Rudiger departing and the impact it would have on his Blues side.

But admitted that life would go on without the German centre-back.

The 48-year-old said: "It will be incredibly difficult because Toni is a big personality, a big leader and he takes fear away from other people. We will miss him a lot.

"It will be challenging but, no matter how much I love Toni and how big a role he has played, there will be life at Chelsea without Toni Rudiger. We will find solutions."

Meanwhile, Chelsea's three remaining potential owners have been asked to give a “final pitch” for control of the club.

US bankers The Raine Group, who are running the contest on behalf of sanctioned Roman Abramovich, contacted the three consortiums to ask for a last showdown ahead of a final decision on the “preferred bidder”.

Raine are understood to be asking all three about their commitment to rebuilding Stamford Bridge.

They will also be quizzed on funding for Chelsea team improvements in both the short and medium-term.

Despite his sanctioned status, Abramovich will still give his final assent to the chosen winner, before the Premier League can begin its owners and directors test.

That is expected to take a minimum of 10 days to be completed, with the Government then also having to approve the winning bid.