'Pulisic deserves to start' - Tuchel backs Chelsea winger despite recent run on bench

Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel says that Christian Pulisic 'deserves' to start for the Blues after the American star was left on the bench in Chelsea's 2-0 win over Newcastle.

Pulisic has started just one game since Tuchel took charge at Chelsea: a 1-0 win over Barnsley in the FA Cup.

But Tuchel, who has a relationship with Pulisic dating back to the pair's time at Borussia Dortmund, says there is no reason to be concerned with the winger's lack of recent playing time.

What did Tuchel say?

"Today, the first change was already made in the first half from injury and Christian was a very tight decision if he starts again after the cup game, or if he comes on from the bench," Tuchel said.

"We decided for another XI to start. Unfortunately, we only had three changes which makes it very difficult to give time to the players, to let everybody play, and to have an impact with the changes of fresh legs. That makes it difficult and the third change we didn't want to use too early.

"During the match, we did what we normally do which is to only change to win the match. He deserves to start, or to come in but I could only use three guys. I hope he keeps on going and he will make an important impact for us in the future."

Who has been starting ahead of Pulisic?

Mason Mount, Timo Werner and Tammy Abraham started in attack for Chelsea, with Abraham forced out with an injury to be replaced with Olivier Giroud.

Giroud and Werner scored for Chelsea's, with the latter ending his goal drought with his finish.

Kai Havertz has also started in attack recently, while Callum Hudson-Odoi has featured as a wing-back in Tuchel's system.

What has Pulisic done this season?

The U.S. men's national team forward has featured 21 times in all competitions for Chelsea this season, but has scored just two goals.

Last season, Pulisic found the back of the net 11 times in 34 appearances across his debut campaign.

Pulisic, who dealt with injury issues earlier in the season, could make his return to the U.S. men's national team for a March friendly against Northern Ireland.

Further Reading

• Christian Pulisic: What is the correct way to pronounce Chelsea and USMNT star's name?'

• Werner awakens from goal-scoring slumber as Chelsea's top-four dreams begin to become reality

Today, the first change was already made in the first half from injury and Christian was a very tight decision if he starts again after the cup game, or if he comes on from the bench. We decided for another XI to start. Unfortunately, we only had three changes which makes it very difficult to give time to the players, to let everybody play, and to have an impact with the changes of fresh legs. That makes it difficult and the third change we didn't want to use too early. During the match, we did what we normally do which is to only change to win the match. He deserves to start, or to come in but I could only use three guys. I hope he keeps on going and he will make an important impact for us in the future.