Tuchel cure for Tammy ache

CHELSEA BOSS SAYS HARD WORK IS ONLY WAY STRIKER CAN REGAIN HIS PLACE IN THE BLUES SQUAD

THOMAS TUCHEL has told Tammy Abraham his lack of playing time is nothing personal.

But the ruthless

Blues boss insists Abraham’s only escape from the Chelsea doghouse is through hard work.

England striker Abraham, the club’s 12-goal top scorer, was not in the squad for Saturday evening’s FA Cup semifinal win over Manchester City.

And the 23-yearold, who is fit again after an ankle injury, hasn’t played any football for the Blues since February 20.

With Chelsea in the market for a striker this summer Abraham’s future is in doubt – but Tuchel claims the player is the only one who can turn things around.

Speaking ahead of tonight’s Premier League clash with Brighton, Tuchel said: “I hope he is not concerned about his future.

“The only thing he cares about is his training.

“We talked about it. It’s the only chance he can escape from his situation, which is clearly not satisfying for him.

“But it’s my responsibility to make these hard choices. Sometimes they are not even fair. He has to keep his head up and trust himself. Let’s see if he is involved against Brighton.

“My decisions are not made yet. We decide after the last training session.

“I think everybody is concerned who is not in the squad. It’s never an easy decision for me to take, who is in the squad.

“Sometimes we spend almost an hour talking after the last training deciding which players we have to leave at home. It’s fine margins which decide.

“Tammy has had this decision now against him a few times, which is never personal, but this is life at

Chelsea sometimes as a player.

“I hope he does not get lost in too many thoughts.

“All he can do is stay with belief. The situation for a striker can change in minutes.” West Ham and Aston Villa are waiting in the wings if Abraham decides to leave Chelsea.

Despite being the club’s top scorer in all competitions he hasn’t scored in the top flight since December.

Chelsea are already in the FA Cup Final and the Champions League semi-finals but tonight’s game is a chance to climb back into the top four.

Tuchel said: “We have an absolutely crucial week coming up with Brighton and then West Ham ahead of us.

“It’s absolutely in our hands to make a huge step.

“We come from a very successful and emotionally demanding week. Our full focus back on Premier League now and to make a huge step in this race hopefully.”

‘Tammy must keep his head up and trust himself. This is life at Chelsea’