Thomas Tuchel 'tells Dujon Sterling to prepare for Chelsea pre-season' after impressive loan spell at Blackpool earns him another chance... with the German manager planning for life without Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen

• e-mail

Chelsea have told Dujon Sterling to prepare himself for pre-season with Thomas Tuchel's side after impressing the German manager while on loan at Blackpool this season.

Sterling signed a two-year contract extension with Chelsea before going out on loan to Blackpool in August 2021. The England youth international excelled upon his arrival at the club but a minor ankle injury cut his time in the Championship short. 

Nevertheless, Blackpool manager Neil Critchley gave Tuchel great feedback on Sterling - who sustained his injury during The Seasiders' clash with Nottingham Forest. 

Sterling signed a two-year contract extension with Chelsea before going on loan to Blackpool

Blackpool manager Neil Critchley gave Blues boss Thomas Tuchel great feedback on Sterling

As a result, Tuchel has decided to re-call Sterling to the Chelsea squad and include him in the first XI's pre-season plans ahead of the 2022-2023 campaign - according to Goal. 

Tuchel is hoping Sterling - who made his Chelsea debut under Antonio Conte in 2017 - will be able to fill the void left by Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen this summer. 

Rudiger is expected to join Real Madrid at the end of the season as the LaLiga giants are said to be offering him a package that is worth significantly more than the £230,000-per-week deal Chelsea were offering him to stay.

As a result, Tuchel has told Sterling to prepare himself for Chelsea's pre-season

Tuchel is preparing for life at Chelsea without Andreas Christensen (L) and Antonio Rudiger (R)

It is believed the Chelsea defender has agreed in principle to join the Spanish giants on a four-year contract after turning down offers from Manchester United, Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus.

The news came as a blow to Tuchel as Rudiger has played a defining role in Chelsea's defence this season - starting more competitive matches than any other player in the squad. 

Tuchel could also be without Christensen next season as he is expected to leave Stamford Bridge to join Catalan giants Barcelona. 

Therefore, the German manager is eager to get Sterling up to scratch during pre-season as he could be called upon next term. 

However, the 22-year-old, who is wanted by a host of Premier League and Championship clubs, must focus on returning to full-fitness in the interim period. 

Sterling (pictured playing in the FA Youth Cup Final in 2016) is wanted by a host of Premier League clubs and Championship club