Thomas Tuchel sends message to Chelsea FC supporters about Christian Pulisic
Thomas Tuchel is hoping that Chelsea FC midfielder Christian Pulisic can gradually resume his return to full fitness while on international duty with the United States.
The American has been out for much of the current season due to an ankle injury sustained the last time he was away with his country.
Indeed, Pulisic has only made one Premier League start this season, and he came on in the final five minutes of the weekend’s 1-1 draw with Burnley.
Tuchel will be hoping that Pulisic returns from international duty without further injury problems, as the playmaker aims to return to full fitness for club and country.
The Chelsea FC manager believes that the 23-year-old has been gradually easing his way back into first-team football and does not want the midfielder to suffer any further setbacks on the road to recovery.
“I think you can see from the minutes he’s had, then the questions of whether he’s at his peak level are answered,” Tuchel said at the weekend.
“It will take time with Christian because he’s been out for such a long time this season, but he is easing his way back in and is doing well.
“I hope that the US national team are responsible with him and they don’t overuse him too much in the international fixture.
“Christian still feels a little bit of pain but of course, he absolutely wants to come back to full fitness and at his peak level of performance that he’s shown before.
“It’s a matter of managing the pain in his ankle, not a matter of a re-injury or anything like that. It’s just that things are still a bit painful for him.
“He desperately wanted to come back and we need him back, because he’s a big player for us. He’s tried so hard when he’s come in on recent games and it was a good start for him in Malmo, and then the 10 minutes or so he got against Burnley.
“I have to say, we are always a little worried when our players go away with the national team because it’s out of our control but there is also a responsibility for Christian to not get carried away and try too much.
“Of course, I understand that playing for your country is emotional and he will want to give everything to help his country win a super-important match. Hopefully the minutes will elevate him for when he returns to us and he will be in a better place physically.”
Pulisic has only made two substitute appearances for Chelsea FC since returning from international duty with an injury at the beginning of September.
Last season, the American scored four goals and assisted on two others in 27 Premier League games for the south west London club, which finished fourth in the table.
Chelsea FC will return to Premier League action after the international break when they travel to Leicester City on November 20.
The Blues currently lead the Premier League table by three points over second-placed Manchester City.
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Thomas Tuchel sends message to Chelsea FC supporters about Christian Pulisic
