Former Chelsea striker could make a shock return to Stamford Bridge – Pochettino to swap a deal?
According to a report from Football.London, Chelsea have consistently monitored the opportunity to reintegrate Tammy Abraham into their squad. Roma, on the other hand, are reportedly eager to secure Romelu Lukaku on a permanent basis, potentially opening the door for a swap deal.
Abraham’s Devastating Injury And A Huge Blow To Roma
The former Chelsea striker had a brilliant campaign last season as he scored nine goals and contributed five assists in 53 appearances for Roma across all competitions. The talented forward proved to be a valuable asset to the Italian outfit, showcasing his skills with an average of 1.7 shots, 0.9 key passes, and 0.6 dribbles per 90 minutes in Serie A. However, he lacked in terms of his passing accuracy, with a completion rate of 68.3% in the top-flight league (stats via whoscored).
Tammy Abraham suffered a devastating anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in the final match of the 2022/23 Serie A season, ruling him out of the entire 2023/24 campaign. The English striker was stretchered off the field in tears after landing awkwardly following a challenge from a Spezia defender in Roma’s 2-1 victory on May 22, 2023.
Abraham underwent successful surgery on his left knee a few days later, but the recovery timeline for an ACL injury is typically around six to nine months, meaning he is unlikely to return to action until December 2023 at the earliest.
Should The Chelsea Boss Propose A Swap Deal?
Mauricio Pochettino, in his tenure as Chelsea’s manager, faces a pivotal decision. Romelu Lukaku, has rejuvenated his career and is having an impressive loan spell at Roma being a valuable asset for the team. The question is whether the potential addition of Tammy Abraham, who has already shown his promise at Roma, is worth parting ways with Lukaku who is thriving in his absence.
Abraham’s youth and potential are undoubtedly attractive, and his recovery from the ACL injury will be closely watched. If he can regain his form post-injury, Chelsea might have a dynamic, homegrown talent on their hands. Furthermore, Abraham’s style of play might align more closely with Pochettino’s tactics, as the English forward is known for his mobility and ability to press.
Additionally, it’s worth noting that there exists some discord between Lukaku and the managerial team at Stamford Bridge. This strained relationship played a role in his loan move to the Italian outfit, even though he is a proven goal threat. Consequently, this situation lends support to Pochettino’s decision, as the West London club are actively seeking a permanent solution for Lukaku. In this context, considering the return of Abraham, who has previously worn the iconic Blue jersey and boasts relevant Premier League experience, emerges as a potential and fitting solution.