Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger was sent in early from training on Sunday following a heated exchange with teammate Kepa Arrizabalaga, according to reports.
Tempers flared at Chelsea's Cobham training ground after Saturday's shock home defeat to West Bromwich Albion, in which both players were among the substitutes, according to The Telegraph.
Thomas Tuchel had warned his players not to lose their heads in the wake of the 5-2 thrashing.
Spanish goalkeeper Kepa reacted to Rudiger's late challenge during a small-sided training game and the two players shoved each other as tempers flared.
Chelsea players pulled their teammates apart and Tuchel reacted immediately, deciding that German defender Rudiger was not calming down quickly enough to take part in the final five minutes of training, so sent him in early to cool down with goalkeeper Kepa completing the session.
It is understood Rudiger has since apologised to Kepa and Tuchel considers the matter closed.
It has been reported earlier this season that Rudiger had clashed on more than one occasion with Cesar Azpilicueta during training.
Chelsea v West Brom ratings
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CHELSEA PLAYER RATINGS: Edouard Mendy – 5. Couldn’t do much about any of the goals and pulled off a couple of decent saves … but conceded five. Reuters -
Thiago Silva – 2. What is it about Thiago Silva and West Brom? Since his calamitous mistake against the Baggies on debut, the Brazilian has been imperious for Chelsea. Returning after missing two months with injury, Silva looked rusty and was sent off for a second bookable offence inside the first half hour. AFP -
Kurt Zouma – 5. Solid for most of the first half but misjudged the bounce on Johnstone’s long ball and his hesitation allowed Pereira to pounce. Had a decent effort from a corner but his volleyed shot went over, then missed a sitter from another corner. Far from composed. Getty Images -
Cesar Azpilicueta – 5. In a match consumed by chaos, the Chelsea captain tried to keep his concentration and composure. That wasn’t enough, though as the Blues conceded five. AFP -
Reece James – 6. Unable to dominate the right flank as he has done so often. Got forward when he could but was forced to defend more than usual. AFP -
Marcos Alonso – 4. His defensive vulnerabilities were again brutally exposed after Chelsea went down to 10 men. Should have been stronger against Phillips for West Brom’s second and his lack of pace gave Furlong all the time in the world to cross for Robinson’s goal. Reuters -
Jorginho – 5. In games when he is unable to help Chelsea dominate possession, the Italian can become anonymous. This was a case in point. AP -
Mateo Kovacic – 8. Looked typically comfortable when Chelsea were cruising, but when the hosts started chasing the game, the Croatian went into overdrive. Kovacic was by far his team’s best player, full of running, incisive passing, and energy. Reuters -
Hakim Ziyech – 5. Overplayed a pass to Pulisic but wasn’t afforded much more time to grow into the game, the Moroccan making way in a tactical switch following Silva’s dismissal. EPA -
Christian Pulisic – 7. His sharp turn drew the foul for Alonso’s free-kick, which the American reacted fastest to for Chelsea’s opener. Replaced at half time for Mount. AFP -
Timo Werner – 6. Quick feet to set up Mount for Chelsea’s second. Some might argue it showed a lack of confidence, but it was good quick thinking by the German. Looked dangerous on the few occasions he broke the West Brom line but overall, had a limited impact. Reuters -
SUBS: Andreas Christensen (33’) – 4. Came on with the scores level but was pulled apart by a vibrant and pacey West Brom attack. AP -
Mason Mount (45’) – 7. Had a decent chance to score Chelsea’s second but was soon on the scoresheet when he tapped home from Werner’s assist. Tried to force the issue in attack but couldn’t drag his team back into the match. AFP -
Kai Havertz (72’) – N/A. Brought on to fight a losing battle. Getty Images -
WEST BROM PLAYER RATINGS: Sam Johnstone – 7. Produced a fine fingertip save on Alonso’s free-kick but could do little about Pulisic’s follow up finish. Got himself an assist with his thumping up field pass for Pereira. Pulled off some good saves and was quick off his line, even if there were some nervy moments. PA -
Darnell Furlong – 8. Defended brilliantly for the opening 20 or so minutes and as West Brom became more expansive, offered his team an outlet on the right. His fine performance was rewarded with an assist when his cross led to Robinson’s goal. PA -
Dara O’Shea – 6. Played his part in a composed start by West Brom, only for an ankle injury to see him forced off in the 24th minute. AP -
Kyle Bartley – 7. Kept the Chelsea attack quiet until the opening goal and for much of the rest of the game as West Brom took charge (no match photo available). Reuters -
Semi Ajayi – 8. Sharp last-man defending to block an Alonso effort on to the post early in the second half. Good performance in a compact West Brom defence. AFP -
Conor Townsend – 7. Got caught out in defence on a few occasions but provided an option on the left wing and helped West Brom push Chelsea back. AFP -
Matt Phillips – 7. Inches away from a goal of the season contender when his curling effort smacked the crossbar just before halftime. Contributed to giving Alonso a horrid afternoon. EPA -
Okay Yokuslu – 7. A solid display in midfield and it was Silva’s challenge on the Turk that reduced Chelsea to 10 men and helped turn the tide. AFP -
Ainsley Maitland-Niles – 7. No match for Kovacic in central midfield but the on-loan Arsenal player was good in possession and played his part in this sensational victory. Reuters -
Matheus Pereira – 10. Superb run and lofted finish for the equaliser after latching on to Johnstone’s route one ball and then showed excellent calmness and speed of thought to score West Brom’s second goal. Man of the match. EPA -
Mbaye Diagne – 8. Grabbed West Brom’s fourth with a good side-footed finish and led the line well. EPA -
SUBS: Branislav Ivanovic (24’) – N/A. Back at the club where he earned hero status, the Serbian’s appearance lasted just 13 minutes after he pulled up with a hamstring injury. Reuters -
Callum Robinson (37’) – 9. As much as Silva must hate this fixture, Robinson must wish he could play Chelsea every week. The striker scored West Brom’s third with a thunderous volley and then scored the fifth. His only other Premier League goals this season have also come against the Blues. AFP -
Jake Livermore (89’) – N/A. Sent on to help kill the game (no match photo available). AFP
Rudiger lost his place in the starting line-up during the closing stages of Frank Lampard's tenure as Chelsea boss, but has regained his place and played a key role under Tuchel.
The incident followed a heated argument between Reece James and fellow defender Azpilicueta in the Stamford Bridge dressing room after the defeat to West Brom.
The Blues will bid to bounce back from their first defeat in 15 games under Tuchel on Wednesday when they play Porto in the away leg of their Champions League quarter-final.
