Why Timo Werner did not take a penalty against Aston Villa

For the second time in ten days, Chelsea and Aston Villa faced off, this time in the third round of the Carabao Cup. While the result in the Premier League (which saw a Romelu Lukaku inspired Chelsea run out 3-0 winners) had an air of comfort about it, this was very much not the case as two much-changed sides did battle at Stamford Bridge last night.

While Timo Werner gave Chelsea the lead on the hour mark thanks to a rare headed goal, the result never looked comfortable, and so proved to be the case.

Just 10 minutes later, the Blues were pegged back following another fine headed, this time from Aston Villa starlet Cameron Archer, and, with no extra-time in the Carabao Cup, the close tie went to a penalty shoot out.

While Ben Chilwell hit the bar for the Blues, they were aided by their goalkeeper Kepa, who produced an outstanding save, while Ashley Young also hit the woodwork, to ensure that it was Chelsea and not Villa that took a place in the fourth round of the competiton.

As a reward for their victory, Stamford Bridge will once again play host, this time to Southampton, in the 4th Round of the Carabao Cup.

Why Werner did not take a penalty

One notable absentee from the Chelsea spot-kicks was Timo Werner. With the German’s confidence sky-high after nodding in the opening goal, it was expected that he would step up to the plate, but he was nowhere to be seen.

In the hours after the event, however, an explanation came forward from Werner himself, which hinted at some worrying news for Blues fans. Speaking to the media after the game, the hitman revealed:

“First of all, I had pain in my calf and couldn’t go out. When you have fit players on the pitch, it is better they shoot than I do today.”

Could this hint at a more serious injury that may keep him out of Tuchel’s plans for the massive game against Manchester City this Saturday, or was it simply fatigue related.

Either way, the Blues managed without him.