Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel reportedly does not trust USMNT winger Christian Pulisic.
The 23-year-old winger has been linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge this summer after falling down the pecking order.
And now Pulisic's peripheral role appears to have been explained by the Guardian report that the Blues boss does not trust him.
The United States international's Chelsea career has been hampered by injuries since he made the switch from Borussia Dortmund for $71million in 2019.
He has never seemed to win over Tuchel following the manager's arrival two years later, starting just 13 times in the Premier League last season.
Italian clubs Juventus and AC Milan have been touted as possible summer landing spots but nothing has materialized in the transfer market.
While away on international duty with the USA earlier this summer, he was able to address his future when speaking to reporters, and admitted that he wants 'to get more playing time'.
'I want to be on the field as much as I can and be the sharpest I can be and fit as well,' he said.
While last term his father Mark took aim at his son's lack of minutes and described his situation as 'sad'.
Pulisic played 25 minutes of Chelsea's season opener at Everton last weekend as he was introduced off the bench in the 1-0 win.
NBC's Robbie Mustoe said the forward 'should be knocking on the manager's door' and ask to start after the Blues' poor attacking display at Goodison Park.
'Pulisic comes into the game looks lively, looks sharp,' Mustoe commented.
'He should be knocking on the door of the manager saying "how about giving me a go?" These other guys have had a lot of opportunities of late.'