Tammy Abraham if finding life tough under Thomas Tuchel, the German boss has revealed, after the forward was left out of Chelsea's squad to play Manchester United.
The Englishman has undoubtedly been the biggest loser from Tuchel's appointment, having been Frank Lampard's favoured striker before the Blues icon's sacking.
Abraham has bagged 12 goals this season but has only started twice in the Premier League since the German touched down in west London – being hooked at half-time on both occasions.
Chelsea's £53m summer signing Timo Werner or, since the 34-year-old's upturn in form, Olivier Giroud have been favoured above the Blues academy graduate, and Abraham's Blue future is now in question.
'We have 21 strong players and only 18 possible (to be picked). It is my job to take hard decisions,' Tuchel explained.
'At the moment he is only struggling with my decision. We have a strong squad. We have only Thiago Silva injured – that means we have to make hard decisions.
'It was also an unfair decision for Billy Gilmour because Billy played well in the cup and he was very strong in training.
'It was a hard decision. It was about judging the alternatives that we have and we opted for Olivier Giroud to begin, Timo Werner on the bench.
'We have Kai Havertz who can play as a number nine so there was no need to bring a fourth number nine to the pitch.
'Things are difficult for him. Things are not as easy as they should be for him in the moment and he will get full support. This was the decision.'
Abraham's present deal expires in 2023, with the 23-year-old reportedly unwilling to consider an extension while sitting third-choice in the pecking order and watching the Blues pursue Borussia Dortmund sensation Erling Haaland.
Source: m.allfootballapp.com