Team News: Star Chelsea man Timo Werner unlikely to be risked for FA Cup tie vs Barnsley
Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has confirmed as part of team news that he will not make an attempt to fast-track Timo Werner back into action for the Blues’ FA Cup trip to Barnsley.
Werner was forced off the pitch midway through the second half of Chelsea’s 2-1 win over Sheffield United. The manager had revealed back then that it was nothing more than a dead leg and that Werner shouldn’t be on the sidelines for a long time. (h/t Football London)
The striker even took part in Chelsea’s training session on Tuesday alongside the returning Christian Pulisic, giving hope that he could be back for the FA Cup fixture.
However, addressing the fans during his pre-match press conference on Wednesday, Tuchel has ruled out (h/t Football London) the possibility of Werner playing a part on Thursday.
“It is still painful with contact so we didn’t risk it today and we will not risk it tomorrow.
“He had a huge impact on our games so that’s why we are a bit sad because it would have been also possible to just keep going his momentum and give him a chance to find the net.”
The German gaffer is hopeful though, that resting Werner for the midweek clash should help him recover in time for the Premier League game against Newcastle United on Monday.
“We could have risked it but the decision stands and it is hopefully now for him to recover and be back on Monday.”
Indeed, Werner’s injury absence on Thursday will deny him a chance to build on his recent upturn of form. The 24-year-old produced arguably his best display in the Blues’ victory over Sheffield United, assisting Mason Mount’s opener and winning the penalty for Jorginho’s goal.
More Chelsea News:
- Chelsea to ask £40m from Aston Villa for Ross Barkley permanent transfer
- Rio Ferdinand surprised Reece James is not a regular feature for Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea
- Michael Ballack backs Timo Werner to rediscover his goalscoring touch at Chelsea
Werner enjoyed a promising start to life at Stamford Bridge and raced to 8 goals in all competitions. However, the German talisman has found the net only once in his last 19 appearances for the club in all competitions, including a 14-game goal drought in the PL.