Chelsea Block Wolves-Linked Striker Abraham From Playing For Aston Villa Today

England U21 star Tammy Abraham will not be available for selection when Aston Villa tackle Swansea City in the third round of the Emirates FA Cup on Saturday, January 5.

There has been speculation linking the striker with a permanent switch to Wolverhampton Wanderers in the winter transfer market but Aston Villa boss Dean Smith has claimed that Abraham not playing today is as a result of the terms of the loan and not due to speculation over his future.

Asked at Friday's press conference if Abraham is likely to face The Swans, Smith told reporters: ''He is not going to feature tomorrow. We never got permission off Chelsea for him to play.''

Chelsea can recall Abraham from his loan spell with Aston Villa if they trigger a recall option in the first two weeks of the January transfer window.

The 21-year-old spent last season on loan at Swansea City, scoring 8 goals from 39 appearances in all competitions.

With 16 goals to his name, Abraham is the joint leading goalscorer in England's top four divisions.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : avfc.co.uk