Jose Mourinho aims a dig at Roma star Tammy Abraham

Roma manager Jose Mourinho has aimed a dig at his forward Tammy Abraham, suggesting the England star is preoccupied ahead of this month’s World Cup.

The 25-year-old smashed several goal-scoring records last campaign, becoming the highest ever English scorer in a Serie A season and Roma’s most prolific debutant  of all-time, but has since struggled for goals at the Italian capital.

Netting just three times in 18 matches across all competitions this term, the former Chelsea striker is set to head to Qatar out of form — if selected by England boss Gareth Southgate. 

Jose Mourinho has aimed a dig at out-of-form Roma and England forward Tammy Abraham

The Portuguese boss suggested that his striker may be preoccupied by this month’s World Cup

Speaking of Abraham’s lacklustre performances of late, Mourinho told TMW: ‘You should ask him what’s the problem. 

‘If he is distracted, if he has a problem or if he thinks about the World Cup.’  

Having perhaps changed his tune now, Mourinho came to his striker’s defence in October, insisting Abraham’s lack of productivity in front of goal was down to the team as a whole.

The Roma star, who is bidding to deputise for Harry Kane at the World Cup as Southgate’s second-choice striker, could be dropped ahead of the tournament because of his poor form.

He is hoping he’ll be a part of Gareth Southgate’s England squad which is revealed on Thursday

By comparison, Brentford talisman Ivan Toney has scored nine times in all competitions, while Newcastle forward Callum Wilson has netted four goals in seven appearances since his return from injury.

As reported by Sportsmail on Tuesday, Southgate has already finalised his 26-man squad for Qatar ahead of England’s official announcement on Thursday. 

Roma sit sixth in Serie A as Mourinho’s side prepare to take on Sassuolo on Wednesday evening.