Chelsea-bound Timo Werner has reportedly requested RB Leipzig to exclude him from their Champions League quarter finals matches.

The Germany striker, whose £53million switch to Chelsea is expected to be announced later this week, only wants to play in Leipzig’s final three Bundesliga matches – and then switch to Stamford Bridge at the end of June.

The news is a blow to Leipzig, who knocked out Tottenham in their run to the quarter finals in March and will find out their quarter-final opponents when the draw is made next month.

The final stages of the tournament are set to be played in August in Lisbon.

But, according to the Daily Express, the 24-year-old does not want to risk any injury before starting his career with Chelsea.

Leipzig have just three games left in their league season – at home to Fortuna Dusseldorf tomorrow, at home to Borussia Dortmund and then away to Augsberg on June 27 on the final day.

The German international, who has scored 31 goals for Leipzig this season, under Fifa rules cannot play for Chelsea until the start of next season.

Photo Credit: Twitter @RBLeipzig_EN