Thomas Tuchel has provided an update on Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's injury status ahead of Chelsea's Champions League group stage opener versus Dinamo Zagreb on Tuesday night. The 33-year-old's jaw was broken by house robbers just days before leaving the Camp Nou for Stamford Bridge.
He and his wife were attacked and robbed at his home in Castelldefels by four people wearing masks, Barcelona club officials confirmed. According to Spanish outlet El Pais, as quoted by Sky Sports, Aubameyang was hit and forced to open a safe where the family stored jewellery.
So, upon the striker's signing, the Blues flew him out to Milan so that he can be fitted with a mask in order to make his debut as soon as possible, according to The Times. However, Tuchel has insisted that he does not intend on rushing Aubameyang into the starting XI.
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Speaking to the press following Chelsea's 2-1 win over West Ham at the weekend, the Blues boss said: "I can’t tell you if he trains full contact or individually. He has the mask.
"If the doctors tell me the mask is good and he’s comfortable with it, then that would be okay. But we need to check it with no contact, half contact and full contact. In the end we need to see how it is. It’s too early to make a prediction."
Tuchel continued by claiming that a start against Dinamo Zagreb could be premature, hinting that Armando Broja could be handed his first start of the season. The German added: "I think he will always be able to [help us] but first he needs to train with us.
"It’s a struggle at the moment to talk about individuals and Auba, who has not even been on the bench. We said [over] the last two days we need to define ourselves as a team, and team effort must come first.
"Auba will be part of a strong group and this group is now the objective is to shape this group, toughen this group up," Tuchel added. "It’s my responsibility to fight better, and have answers to any questions we are asked. Auba will be a huge part but today it was Armando [Broja], Kai [Havertz] and Chilly [Ben Chilwell] from the bench."
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