CHRISTIAN PULISIC missed Chelsea’s win over Sheffield United due to ‘family issues’, new Blues boss Thomas Tuchel has revealed.
The USA international was surprisingly omitted from the matchday squad for the West Londoners’ visit to Bramall Lane.
Christian Pulisic missed Chelsea’s 2-1 win over Sheffield United last SundayCredit: Getty
Thomas Tuchel revealed Christian Pulisic missed Sunday’s win over the Blades due to ‘family issues’Credit: Getty
Pulisic’s absence sparked fears he’d picked up another injury, concerns Tuchel dismissed after the Blues’ 2-1 win in Yorkshire.
The German said: “He has some family issues to solve. Family is always first.”
Pulisic, 22, played under Tuchel during his days at Borussia Dortmund, with the German handing him his debut at Westfalenstadion at the age of 17.
The winger has fond memories of being coached by the former PSG chief, telling Chelsea’s official website: “I remember making my debut under him and it was a really exciting time.
“I was playing in the youth team at Dortmund and then I got the call to say I was going to go up and train with the first team, and be a full first team member. It was really exciting.
“I had to fight my way into that team because it was a very strong team, and being a young player I had to work extra hard.
BET OF THE DAY: GET THE BEST FOOTBALL PRICES ON THE MARKET WITH OUR EXPERT ADVICE
“The manager trusted in me and most importantly gave me chances to play, so I am grateful for that.
“He definitely helped me as a young player and I only have good memories of that time.
“We had some success at Dortmund together, and it’s been good to see him again and work with him once more.”
The £56.7million man has enjoyed his reunion with Tuchel, adding: “It’s been good so far.
“We’ve got a new outlook on things, we have had a really good win so it’s been a positive start.
“It’s been some crazy times recently and just to get a win left all the guys in the changing room really excited.
Christian Pulisic played under Thomas Tuchel during his time at Borussia DortmundCredit: Getty
“We have had a lot of fun in training and there are smiles on faces which is good to see.”
Chelsea will be back in action on Thursday, travelling to Oakwell to take on Barnsley in the fifth round of the FA Cup.
But the Blues’ clash with the Championship outfit will come too soon for Thiago Silva, who is currently dealing with a hamstring injury.
Tuchel said: “It will be several days but we set the goal, I would like him back for maybe Southampton, that’s realistic but also ambitious.
“I know Thiago, he will do everything to be ready as soon as possible but it is a muscle injury so you cannot take any risk.”
Tuchel yells out the nickname of Chelsea captain Azpilicueta wrong before Pulisic steps in to correct new boss
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
