Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has told the club’s official website that Christian Pulisic is unlikely to play against Dean Smith’s Aston Villa this week.
The Blues will take on Premier League rivals Villa at Stamford Bridge in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday evening.
USA international attacker Pulisic – who cost Chelsea £57.6 million in transfer fees, as reported by Sky Sports – did not play against Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League this past weekend due to an ankle injury.
Chelsea boss Tuchel is hopeful that he will have the 23-year-old – who can play as a winger or attacking midfielder – back for the match against Villa, but the German does not sound too confident about the prospect of the youngster turning out in midweek.
Tuchel told Chelsea’s official website about Pulisic: “I think for Christian the game against Aston Villa [in the Carabao Cup in midweek] is maybe a bit too close. I hope that I’m wrong but this is my impression.”
Potential boost for Aston Villa?
Chelsea are likely to make changes to the team for the Carabao Cup tie against Villa.
Villa manager Smith himself could decide not to play his strong team.
If Pulisic is not available for the tie on Wednesday, then it will enhance Villa’s chances of winning.
The USA international is a very good and creative player who can hurt defences.
The Chelsea no.10 has scored one goal in one Premier League appearance so far this season, and scored four goals and gave two assists in 18 league starts in 2020-21.
Now, of course, even without Pulisic, Chelsea will still be favourites for the match against Villa, but not having to face a player like the American can only be encouraging for the Villans.
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