Thomas Tuchel talks up potential Chelsea wing-back role for Saul Niguez

Chelsea head coach Thomas Tuchel has suggested that he is giving serious consideration to using Saul Niguez at left wing-back.

Since joining on loan from Atletico Madrid, Saul has struggled for opportunities in the centre of midfield having failed to impress on his rare appearances.

However, with Chelsea facing a busy winter period with just one recognised left wing-back, Tuchel has talked up the chances of the Spain international being used in a wider role over the coming weeks.

Speaking to reporters at a press conference, Tuchel said: "I think that he could play in a wing-back role for us. Even if we play a dominant or offensive game, he is strong at arriving in the opponent's box, very strong at finishing, and has good timing.

"We sometimes do this in training, that is why we have the impression that he could maybe be a good fit, and maybe in the next games we simply have to try it because Chilly (Ben Chilwell) is out long term and a lot of games are coming and we cannot put every game on Marcos's [Alonso] shoulders."

Saul played the first half of Chelsea's 2-1 win at Watford on Wednesday before being withdrawn at the break.