Chelsea manager Frank Lampard has confirmed that Christian Pulisic is already back in training after scans showed the hamstring injury he picked up in the buildup to Saturday's 3-0 win over Burnley was nothing serious, although Wednesday night's game with Rennes will come too soon for him.
The American was named in the starting lineup for the match but was forced to withdraw after complaining of pain in his hamstring during the warm up, with Timo Werner stepping up off the bench to replace him.
After the game, Lampard admitted he was hopeful that the injury was nothing major, and he has now revealed that Pulisic is already back working outside, although he will not be fit enough for Wednesday's meeting with Rennes.
"He had a scan yesterday which showed a very minor injury to his hamstring and he's already back outside," he said in his pre-match press conference. "He won't be fit tomorrow but we'll see after that.
"It's obviously a relief for it to be on the small side. It felt like that to Christian, but he made the right decision in not attempting to play a game, because that could have made it worse. He's an important player for us.
"Some players who play on the edge and have such speed and acceleration in their game could be more susceptible, but it's different for everybody. From last season, we've looking at ways to manage Christian. We are all working in the same direction to try and get him as fit as possible. We know the talent."
With Pulisic still sidelined, Werner will likely be drafted in to replace him for the Champions League tie with Rennes, and the German believes Chelsea can embark on a deep run in the competition.
"I hope so," he said. "I think time now every team that plays every three days. Every team who plays in the Champions League it is difficult.
"We have a big squad, so many players but good players. we have to have the goal to go very far in the competition. We are here to win the Champions League and this year is a good chance. Everyone has a lot of games and have to think about how they manage it. We had a good chance this year or next year.
"I came here to win titles. We are in a good way and we learn from each other and we have a good chance to go very far."
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Source : 90min