Brad Friedel believes Chelsea will have concerns given Christian Pulisic injury record
In an interview with Goal (h/t Daily Mail), former USA goalkeeper, Brad Friedel, feels that Premier League giants, Chelsea will be concerned about the injury record of Christian Pulisic.
Since his arrival from Borussia Dortmund back in 2019 in deal worth £58million, the US international has suffered numerous injuries and missed quite a few match for the European Champions.
Earlier, this season as well – the winger suffered an ankle injury while on duty for the USMNT during the international break. The 22-year-old limped off in the second half and only recently returned to first-team action.
Pulisic has made just four appearances for Chelsea all season and hasn’t started a game for them since mid-August. The 22-year-old winger came on for the final 16 minutes of the Champions League win over a Malmo and then played the last ten minutes in the 1-1 draw against Burnley a fortnight ago.
Talking about the winger’s injury woes, former Premier League goalie believes it has stunted his chances of becoming a regular at Stamford Bridge.
“You want your best players to also be playing consistently with their club teams and you want them free of injury, and he has not been free of injury. That has also stunted his ability to be a regular for Chelsea.”
While Chelsea may not admit to their misgivings in public, they might harbour concerns regarding the player’s physical condition. Hopefully it will ease off in the seasons to come.
“I’m sure, if you ask Chelsea are his injuries an issue and are they worrying about it, I think – maybe not on the record but definitely off it – they would say “yes, it’s a concern”.”
Pulisic made an instant impact for the Blues scoring nine goals in 25 Premier League appearances during his debut season at the club. However, he has been not a regular in Thomas Tuchel’s line-up and injuries have not helped his cause either.
There have been rumours as well saying that Pulisic might leave the west Londoners but as of now there is nothing concrete to it. The Blues will want to keep hold of Pulisic as he is unplayable when he is fully fit.
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And keeping in mind that, Chelsea will be going all out for all the silverware this time around – Tuchel will need not just quality but also strength in depth. It’s still a long season ahead and the US international would surely be an asset as they look to defend their European crown and end the Premier League season as champions after long five years of wait.
