Thomas Tuchel confirmed he would continue to support Tammy Abraham’s development at Chelsea despite leaving him out of his last matchday squad, speaking in his press conference.
Abraham was completely excluded from Chelsea’s 0-0 draw with Manchester United last weekend.
Tuchel admitted it was purely because he had too many options to choose from and nothing to do with the ankle injury his centre-forward picked up against Newcastle United last month.
The Blues boss was questioned about Abraham’s involvement in his future plans at Stamford Bridge and whether or not he’d be in contention for the Liverpool game tomorrow.
“This is my job to push him to his limits,” Tuchel replied.
“We will not stop doing this and supporting him.
“It was tough decision, but whenever comes back and with Thiago Silva and hopefully no more injuries, we have these decisions to make.
“This is part of my job that I do not like, but I also like it because it means I have everyone available.
“We have to take decisions which we communicate clearly. We have to cut it down to 18 players on the field.
“It’s not always a punishment or a signal for a player that its not enough.
“He lacks a little bit of luck Tammy. Not only in games, but also in training.
“Once the last touch comes back and he’s fighting for it, he will stay a player we will push forward.”
It’s been something of a rocky relationship between Abraham and Tuchel since the latter landed in England.
Despite being Chelsea’s top scorer this season, the 23-year-old forward has only started four of the nine games with Tuchel in charge.
He was dragged off at halftime against Burnley and Southampton.
Then arrived the Manchester United incident.
This caused a flurry of reports suggesting that rival English and European clubs were willing to snatch the striker from Chelsea’s grasp (Telegraph).
If Tuchel leaves Abraham out again, then the footballing buzzards will surely start to circle again.
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