Tuchel has sympathy for Abraham as Chelsea striker linked with Arsenal and Roma

Tammy Abraham could be involved for Chelsea in the Super Cup on Wednesday, but Thomas Tuchel has revealed how the striker’s future is constantly evaluated amid links with a move elsewhere.

After scoring 15 Premier League goals for the Blues in the 2020-21 season when Frank Lampard was in charge, Abraham saw his opportunities diminish under Tuchel last term.

The 23-year-old started only three league fixtures following the appointment of Tuchel in late January, while he did not feature at all in the knockout stages of the Champions League as Chelsea went on to lift the trophy in Porto.

His lack of minutes has led to speculation of a switch away from Stamford Bridge before the transfer window closes, with Jose Mourinho’s Roma reportedly interested. There have been links to Arsenal and while the forward may feature for his current employers against Villarreal on Wednesday, his situation could be subject to change.

“Tammy is, right now, in the squad. He did some good preparation matches,” Tuchel told reporters ahead of the fixture against the Europa League holders in Belfast.

“He was clearly not happy with the last half-a-year, maybe he has reasons not to be happy and maybe it was my fault, not to push him, not to trust him on the same level I maybe did with other players.

“I can absolutely understand he wants more minutes, so the decision will be how do we plan, what are his plans, does he fight his way back into the team from where he ended last season or does he want to change the club to have a better chance of being a regular starter, which I can absolutely understand.

“This is quite a normal situation in preparation until the transfer window closes. He is one of these players where we constantly evaluate the situation and adapt.

“But for tomorrow there is no need. He is available for training today, available for the starting XI or to come off the bench.”

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— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 10, 2021

While Olivier Giroud has departed to Milan, opportunities for Abraham could remain scarce if Chelsea, as expected, bring Romelu Lukaku back to the club.

The Belgium international is set to join from Inter, adding further depth to an attacking unit that also includes Timo Werner.

Tuchel also utilised Kai Havertz in a central attacking role last season at times, with Abraham not even on the bench for the Champions League final win over Manchester City.