Tammy Abraham taken off on stretcher with horror knee injury on final day of season

Tammy Abraham suffered a horror knee injury which saw him depart Roma’s final game of the season on a stretcher.

The striker has endured a difficult second campaign in the Italian capital, scoring just nine goals in 53 appearances leading up to Sunday’s clash with Spezia. Having played 75 minutes of Wednesday’s Europa League final, Abraham started Sunday’s match on the bench.

Roma boss Jose Mourinho opted to introduce him four minutes after the hour mark, with Andrea Belotti the man to make way. But Abraham would last just a little over a quarter of an hour before himself having to be replaced after he suffered a horror injury.

The England international was battling Ethan Ampadu for the ball when the incident occured. Abraham’s legs gave way as he leaned into the challenge before slipping, the striker then did a 360 degree turn in mid-air as he screamed out in pain.

His foot had remained planted on the ground, with his knee twisting away from him. Early reports indicate he has likely injured his ACL, with further investigations into the exit of the issue to be made in the coming days.

Abraham was eventually stretched off the pitch in a medial cart after receiving treatment on the pitch. The striker was seen with his head in his hands as he struggled to hold back tears following the injury.

ROME, ITALY – JUNE 04: Tammy Abraham of AS Roma reacts as he goes off injured during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Spezia Calcio at Stadio Olimpico on June 04, 2023 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Fabio Rossi/AS Roma via Getty Images)

If he has damaged his ACL as expected, the injury would likely rule Abraham out for at least nine months. The striker was set for a summer off even before the injury, having missed out on selection for England’s Euro 2024 qualifiers later this month.

After the former Chelsea star departed the Stadio Olimpico pitch, Leonardo Spinazzola came on to take his place. Roma claimed a comeback win without their star striker, having gone a goal down after just six minutes.

But Nicola Zalewski equalised two minutes before the break to get Mourinho’s men back on level terms. Paolo Dybala then scored a penalty in injury time to steal the three points and ensure Roma qualified for next season’s Europa League.

Roma reached the final of that competition this season, but were beaten on penalties by Sevilla. And Dybala paid tribute to the club’s supporters for continuing to back the team despite that disappointment.

“It was a difficult match for us. But we wanted to concentrate, because we knew we were fighting for a place in Europe. It was a bit difficult at the beginning, but then the team ran, fought and we won,” he said.

“The people are incredible. Even today. After losing a final, it’s difficult to support a team. However, these people have been with us all year – with me and with the whole team – and I think today they deserved to celebrate this pass for Europe.”