Chelsea: Tuchel offers no guarantees over Lukaku’s future

The Chelsea boss spoke about the striker after omitting him from his squad against Liverpool.

A shocking interview from Romelu Lukaku has generated serious doubts over his future at Chelsea. The Belgian striker has openly criticized Thomas Tuchel for his tactics while expressing his desire for an Inter return.

Tuchel responded strongly by immediately omitting him from Chelsea’s squad for their match against Liverpool. Following the entertaining 2-2 draw, the German boss provided an update on the Belgium international’s future.

“He’s our player, he will stay our player, we will always protect our player,” Tuchel said (via the Guardian). “First we need to evaluate the situations, not listen to media or pressure, understand what he said and why he said it.

“Then we will take the decision if he is good to go for Wednesday. I cannot tell you right now because we need to talk and understand the situation more and on we go. Once the situation is clear he will stay our player and protect our player.”

There will be a meeting!

Since making his return to Chelsea, Lukaku has failed to live up to expectations. A couple of injury setbacks prevented Lukaku from settling quickly at the club. But, even after his full recovery, the Belgian has not been able to regain his best form at Stamford Bridge.

Tuchel confirmed he will have a meeting with Lukaku on Monday.

“There is a meeting on Monday, of course,” Tuchel said on beIN Sports.

“That’s why we took the decision to delay the decision. We needed some time. I think I heard of the story on Friday. I thought we can handle it as it’s not the first time something like this has happened in my career. I don’t feel personally attacked or disappointed. It’s not personal.

“But the thing got too big on a Saturday for when you play Liverpool on the Sunday. It was too much noise. For that, we protected the preparation that we needed, we took him out of the squad, to have quiet preparation and full focus. This is a huge game and you need to play it at the top level.”

Chelsea will face Tottenham in the Carabao Cup game on Wednesday. It is not clear whether Lukaku’s exile will continue or Tuchel will reintegrate him into the squad for the derby.