ROMELU LUKAKU ‘does not like his situation’ at Chelsea, confirms boss Thomas Tuchel.
The Belgian has been in and out of the team in recent weeks, with Kai Havertz often preferred up top.
Romelu Lukaku has often been on the bench in recent weeks
Lukaku was most notably left out of Tuchel’s starting XI for the recent League Cup final penalty shootout defeat by Liverpool.
Ahead of tomorrow night’s clash with Norwich, Tuchel was asked if the Belgian striker had to be managed ‘carefully’.
The Blues boss replied: “Yes, of course, it is not easy at the moment for him but he is a member of the team – an important member of the team.
“There are other players at certain times who are not happy because the biggest problem is we can only start 11 players and lot of players think – and have a reason – to feel they are regular starters for us.
“There’s always a chance [for Lukaku] because Kai can also play more positions, we can play with double strikers like in the second half against Burnley and Luton.
“There’s always a chance, it is not only Romelu.
“It is also Timo (Werner) and sometimes one of the midfielders.
“It is the quality that makes the difference. Romelu fights for it like everybody else. This is what we need.
“He is as positive as can be. He does not like the situation, nobody does. He handles it very professionally.
“I try to do my best to be respectful and supportive like for everybody else.”
Lukaku, 28, found himself in hot water earlier this season when he told Sky Italia that his Chelsea return had been a mistake.
He was dropped by Tuchel for his comments and was made to apologise to Blues supporters.
Lukaku has managed just five goals in 17 Premier League appearances this season – adding a further six strikes in other competitions.
Thomas Tuchel is having to carefully manage his forwards
