Chelsea winger Christian Pulisic could be out for up to five weeks after suffering a hamstring problem in his side’s FA Cup final defeat by Arsenal on Saturday.
Pulisic opened the scoring for the Blues in the final, finishing off a delightful move involving Mason Mount and Olivier Giroud. However, the 21-year-old was forced off with what appeared to be a hamstring problem just four minutes into the second half.
Pulisic forced off in FA Cup final / Poll / Getty Images
After the game, Chelsea boss Frank Lampard confirmed that Pulisic and Cesar Azpilicueta – who also picked up a hamstring injury – would not feature in Saturday’s last 16 Champions League tie against Bayern Munich in the second leg.
TalkSPORT now report that Pulisic could be out of action for four or five weeks, making him a doubt for his side’s first Premier League game of the 2020/21 season. The new campaign is due to start on September 12, but if Pulisic is out for five weeks, he will return to training just days before the West London side’s opening match.
Christian Pulisic’s form has been nothing short of spectacular since the restart! ?#CRYCHE pic.twitter.com/9KnJguIBI8
— 90 Minutes (@90min_Football) July 7, 2020
The Blues already face a tough task against Bayern on Saturday, but the challenge will now be even tougher for Lampard given the number of injuries in his squad. Currently 3-0 down from the first leg, the Premier League outfit look unlikely to overturn the deficit.
It’s a cruel end to the season for Pulisic, who has grown in confidence and developed into a key player in Lampard’s attack. In fact, since play resumed, Pulisic has managed four goals and four assists in nine league games.
The United States international will now try and ensure he is fit and ready for his side’s opening game of the new season, but the club will manage his injury sensibly to avoid the risk of it escalating. can be avoided and put out for a longer period of time.