Tammy Abraham “gutted” as he awaits diagnosis on thigh injury
By George Perry
Chelsea loanee and Bristol City striker Tammy Abraham is waiting to learn the extent of a thigh injury he suffered on Tuesday night against Leeds. The Robins cannot afford to lose their borrowed star as they stave off relegation.
Tammy Abraham set the record for most goals in the Championship by a teenager earlier this year. It was the latest accolade in a debut senior season that made him one of the brightest prospects in English football. The remainder of his season at Bristol City is in jeopardy, though, pending the diagnosis of a recent thigh injury.
Abraham limped off from Bristol City’s defeat at Leeds United on Tuesday. Head coach Lee Johnson said afterwards that Abraham is nearly indispensable to the team, particularly given the Robins’ precarious position in the table.
"Tammy is gutted because he thinks it’s something serious. We hope that isn’t the case… He’s played a lot of games for a young kid, but you cannot leave him out when he is nigh-on the top scorer in the league. – Bristol City FC"
Abraham is the Championship’s third-leading scorer with 18 league goals, just under half of Bristol City’s total output (42). He has three more in cup competitions. Bristol City’s next leading scorer is Lee Tomlin, with six goals in all competitions.
Like his loan club, Tammy Abraham started the season at a scorching clip that has tailed off recently. Bristol City looked like a solid promotion contender in the first few months of the season. Abraham’s nearly at-will scoring powered the Robins’ over the opponents and inspired his teammates to exceed expectations. However, the Robins are now only three points above the drop zone with one win in their last six games.
Given that he walked off against Leeds, Abraham’s injury is likely not a long-term concern for him or for Chelsea. Losing Abraham will almost certainly consign Bristol City to League One. That would likely guarantee that he does not return there for a second season.
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Abraham’s injury may bring him back to Chelsea in the near-term. Many loanees return to Chelsea to rehabilitate given the Blues’ premier medical staff and facilities. The opportunity to interact with his future coaches and teammates at Stamford Bridge may partially offset his disappointment in not being able to play and contribute to Bristol City’s survival battle.