Thomas Tuchel insists Christian Pulisic can still become a key performer in his Chelsea side – despite injury-plagued winger being hit with fresh setback after suffering calf problem in training
- Christian Pulisic has suffered a calf problem in training, Thomas Tuchel revealed
- The forward has suffered a frustrating campaign and will miss out this weekend
- Tuchel also insisted that Pulisic’s expected absence will simply be a precaution
- Pulisic has failed to start in any Premier League fixture under boss Tuchel so far
Thomas Tuchel insists Christian Pulisic can still become a prominent feature in the Chelsea side despite the injury interruptions to his season.
The £58million American is a significant doubt for Saturday’s clash with Southampton with a tight calf – an issue that follows a number of muscular injuries since he joined from Borussia Dortmund in 2019.
Having played only 84 minutes of league football since Tuchel took over from Frank Lampard, there are questions over Pulisic’s place in the manager’s plans.
Thomas Tuchel has admitted Chelsea must carefully manage Christian Pulisic’s fitness issues
But Tuchel said: ‘Chelsea bought Christian for a reason – his quality and potential – and it is our job to get the best out of him. He has proved in many weeks he has the level to be a regular Chelsea player.
‘It is the challenge now to improve and hold his level and to maintain the level, keep improving.’
On his calf issue, Tuchel added: ‘We are not concerned or worried but the medical department is on that.
‘We have little issues with the calf, he stopped training yesterday before it became an injury so I would not say it is an injury, it is risk management. And it relies on the history of injuries. We did not want to enter the same cycle.
Tuchel revealed Pulisic has suffered a slight calf injury in the lead-up to the Southampton clash
Pulisic has endured a frustrating season due to injuries and being kept on the bench by Tuchel
‘The main thing for Christian is to stay positive, keep his head up and be ready as he can have a big impact when he starts or off the bench with his intensity. There are absolutely no decisions made for summer, there is simply not time for that.’
Tuchel also indicated Tammy Abraham is in contention to face Southampton, despite fears over the ankle knock that forced his first-half substitution against Newcastle on Monday.
Tuchel said: ‘We’re very happy that Tammy is very, very good, feels very good, and he’s free for training today at three o’clock and if things go well he’s in the squad.’
Thiago Silva remains out with a thigh injury, but Kai Havertz has returned.