Thomas Tuchel says he understands why Tammy Abraham is feeling 'worried' and 'angry' about his situation at Chelsea.
The England international has not featured for the Blues since their 1-1 Premier League draw at Southampton on February 20.
Tuchel admits the decision to leave Abraham out for the likes of Chelsea’s squad for Saturday’s 1-0 FA Cup semi-final win over Manchester City is never 'personal' and that he hopes the 23-year-old will stay 'focused'.
Speaking of Abraham's situation, Tuchel said: 'Everybody is concerned when they're not in the squad but it's never an easy decision for me to take.
'I have a lot of sympathy for him and I can understand that he is worried and sad and maybe angry with me when I make these decisions.
'Sometimes we spend almost an hour talking after the last training which decisions to take and which players we have to leave at home because it's thin margins which decide.
'Tammy has had this decision now a few times against him which is never personal but this is life at Chelsea sometimes as a player.
'I hope that he does not get lost in too many thoughts because he knows not to be too concerned about his situation.
'Everything he can do is stay focused and stay with belief because the situation for a striker can change in minutes.
'We have an important training coming up and my decisions are not made yet.'
Abraham excelled during Frank Lampard's maiden campaign as Chelsea manager - scoring 18 goals across all competitions as Chelsea finished fourth in the Premier League and reached the FA Cup final.
However, since Tuchel's arrival, Abraham has completed just 123 minutes of Premier League action - playing in Chelsea's 2-0 win over Burnley and their 1-1 draw with Southampton.
Despite being left out of the current Chelsea squad, Abraham remains the club’s highest scorer this season.
He scored a total of 12 goals under Lampard - with three of them coming in his final game against Luton.
As a result, West Ham are said to be one of the clubs interested in Abraham's signature, should he decided to leave Chelsea in the summer.
ChelseaFC_Addict
410
Tammy is not a Chelsea fc material so I am more than happy he's not playing and I'm all behind Tuchel's decision to leave him out. Only deserving players play.
Ruyilryz
299
I need a strike that can score, assist and defend. I don't need a lazy striker. Werner might not be getting those goals we want but I admire his work rate and attitude towards the team generally. He has that pace and hunger for the ball from when he steps into the field, where as Tammy scores goals n we concede goals. What use are Tammy goals when he fails to assist in defending? Dont get me wrong, he is a poacher but still need to step up. To defend isn't just a defender duty. Modern football has transformed, its now a collective duty. Starting Tammy now will change the flow /rhythm of the team. Once a player loses the ball he knows someone is behind him to cover. The team now have a sense of believe within themselves. Tammy blossom during Lampard reign while others sat on the bench. He should exercise patience now. Presently, the coach is out performing and we should give credit to him. A cup final, uefa semi final n 5th in the league.
dennisachafu
286
Abraham should have started against Brighton. Please Tuchel, stop using Kai Havertz as false 9. He is good while playing behind striker but weak when used as 9 because he lacks the physical strength to battle with defenders.
Juylmortu
8
Tuchel must go if he continued to bench Abraham nonsense
Lmao look at this deluded fortnite kid