RB Leipzig might have to resume play in Europe's premier continental club competition without their leading scorer.
Timo Werner has told Leipzig that he's ready to skip the Bundesliga side's first-ever foray in the Champions League quarterfinals to speed up a move to Chelsea, ESPN UK's James Olley reports.
Werner is expected to join Chelsea on a £200,000-a-week deal after the Blues triggered a release clause for the 24-year-old, which is believed to be around €53 million.
With the Premier League season set to end July 26 - and with the Champions League resuming in August, well after the Bundesliga campaign concludes June 27 - Werner reportedly prefers to enlist with his new side ahead of a truncated offseason rather than risk injury with Leipzig.
England's transfer window is set to open following the completion of the domestic season, meaning Werner could join Chelsea prior to the resumption of the Champions League.
Werner has yet to complete a medical with the west London side because of government-mandated measures restricting movement in both England and Germany during the coronavirus pandemic.
Lisbon is set to stage the quarterfinals, semifinals, and final of the Champions League between Aug. 12-23. Leipzig progressed to the quarterfinals following a 4-0 aggregate win over Tottenham prior to the stoppage of the competition.