Tammy Abraham’s aggravation of an ankle injury means that the England international would not be in line to feature for the Blues come Saturday at Elland Road, confirmed Chelsea gaffer Thomas Tuchel while speaking in his pre-match press conference.
Abraham had been missing from the matchday squad over the past couple of weeks and speculation indicated that the striker was due for a return to the first-team fold very soon ahead of Chelsea going up next against Leeds United in Premier League action.
However, Tuchel has confirmed fears over Abraham being sidelined for a number of upcoming weeks as the 23-year-old nurses his way back to full fitness from an injury sustained in the win over Newcastle United last month.
“I’m a bit concerned because the pain from the tackle against Newcastle is still there.”
“It’s been a long time since he’s been 100% free and comfortable in training.
“Even if he finishes in training, I can see he isn’t 100% free. I have complete trust in our medical department, and they will take care of him.
“Tammy had to leave the pitch during the warm-up yesterday, and he will get all the time he needs. It’s important he feels zero pain, and then we can think about his comeback.”
In Abraham’s absence, Tuchel will have Timo Werner and Olivier Giroud to call upon as his lone options in the No.9 role for Chelsea, who despite a wonderful turnaround in form have struggled to enjoy success in the final third of the pitch.
