Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku will not be in the matchday squad for this evening’s game against Liverpool, according to The Athletic‘s David Ornstein.
The reliable journalist does not give a reason as to why the Belgian international has been omitted but he suggests that the forward’s interview with the Italian media has played a part:
🚨 Romelu Lukaku is not in Chelsea squad for visit of Liverpool. 28yo striker at centre of controversy in recent days after release of unauthorised interview in Italy. #CFC will now be without £97.5m summer signing for huge #LFC game @TheAthleticUK #CHELIV https://t.co/SSrl7sAK4H
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) January 2, 2022
Manager Thomas Tuchel expressed his unhappiness at Lukaku’s remarks in his pre-match press conference earlier this week and it seems the player has been disciplined for his transgressions.
What this means for the 28-year-old’s future, it remains to be seen. He is the club’s record signing and it is not believed he will be offloaded by the Blues during the January transfer window.
Even so, it is clear that the relationship between Lukaku and Tuchel is not good at the moment and the Belgian will surely have to mend fences with his manager in the coming weeks.
