OPINION
There is no doubting that a top six finish would be out of sight of Aston Villa were it not for the efforts of star striker Tammy Abraham and his performances in 2019 could well make the difference between success and heartbreak.
So what if the 21-year-old was to leave Villa Park in January?
It is not something that Dean Smith is expecting, despite confirming that Chelsea have a recall clause in place for the 6’2″ (source: Transfermarkt) ace, which will have been music to the ears of the Villa faithful after rumours and speculation over the Blues selling him permanently in the winter market.
However it could well be that the Stamford Bridge outfit need him for themselves in the new year with Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri admitting his side’s worries over the injury status of Olivier Giroud.
Speaking of the injury problems he has had to endure, the Blues man told the Times, who report the French striker was on crutches at the end of the clash against Crystal Palace: “We’re in trouble because, in January, we have to play every three days.”
With Sarri evidently frustrated by the lack of options at his disposal, there is no guaranteeing that Abraham will remain at Villa Park in 2019 and that is something that will leave Smith and the rest of the Villans seriously sweating.
Yes, Chelsea have Alvaro Morata to call upon and could also dip their toes into the transfer window but when you are looking for a back up option, it is not doubt easier, not to mention significantly cheaper, to bring someone back off loan and fill the void.
Villa will be praying that Giroud makes a swift recovery and that Sarri does not feel the need to take Abraham away from them – otherwise their chances of a top six finish could go up in smoke.