Thomas Tuchel was extremely upset by Jamal Lascelles’ tackle on Tammy Abraham last night that forced the Chelsea striker to be substituted, via the Times.

Abraham was starting just his fifth Premier League tie since December. He only managed 20 minutes after being crunched by the Newcastle United captain.

Lascelles did seem to take the ball but also the man, specifically Abraham’s ankle. The medical staff escorted him off with Olivier Giroud coming on in his place.

That injury was the only blotch on what was an excellent evening for Chelsea.

However, Tuchel couldn’t hide his displeasure having potentially lost a valuable asset from his squad.

Chelsea v Newcastle United - Premier League
LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 15: Tammy Abraham of Chelsea reacts after a collision leading to him going off injured during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Newcastle United at Stamford Bridge on February 15, 2021 in London, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Adrian Dennis – Pool/Getty Images)

His discontent went so far that he tried to show the fourth official a replay of the incident that left Abraham immobile.

“It was the tackle (we showed him) but we didn’t know that he wasn’t allowed to watch so he didn’t look at it,” stated the Blues boss.

“My assistant tried to show him on the iPad but he told us that it is not like this. He cannot watch and (be) influenced, and we totally respect that.

“But we had the feeling that, this reckless tackle, he played the ball, yes, but for me there is too much of a risk that the defender takes of an injury of the opponent and, for me, it is a foul because it’s reckless.”

No updates have been given on the extent of Abraham’s problem. He actually took two whacks before his substitution, which may have increased the issue further.

Aside from this, Chelsea had every reason to celebrate after the final whistle.

FBL-ENG-PR-CHELSEA-NEWCASTLE
Chelsea’s German striker Timo Werner (2R) celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Newcastle United at Stamford Bridge in London on February 15, 2021. (Photo by PAUL CHILDS / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by PAUL CHILDS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

They moved into the top four above Liverpool on points and West Ham on goal difference.

Timo Werner’s dismal scoring drought ended. Kepa Arrizbalaga kept a clean sheet on his unexpected return to the side.   

The only way the mood around Stamford Bridge can be dampened is if Abraham’s layoff turns out to be severe.  

The Chelsea Chronicle View

This may be an unpopular opinion, but I’m all for meaty old school tackles. They’ve been removed from the game because of VAR and new safety laws.

I didn’t see much wrong with what Lascelles did yesterday.

Of course, I’m gutted Tammy had to be removed. But I don’t think we should lambast players for doing their job.

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