STAMFORD BRIDGE — With Thomas Tuchel having complained of Romelu Lukaku‘s workload even before Chelsea‘s Champions League game against Malmo, there was always a possibility he would withdraw him once his side took a comfortable lead.
It was in unfortunate circumstances that the Belgian was taken off however, as he was replaced with Kai Havertz in the 23rd minute moments after winning a penalty.
Andreas Christensen had opened the scoring from Thiago Silva’s cross before Lukaku muscled off not one, but two Malmo defenders.
Conscious that he was only travelling in a dangerous direction, an exasperated Lasse Nielsen wrapped his legs around Lukaku’s ankle and what looked like a heavy knock could have been more serious, earning Chelsea a penalty in the process.
The Belgian striker did get up and briefly tried to run off the injury while Jorginho converted the spot-kick, but he was soon replaced by Havertz.
Lukaku’s absence might have been an opportunity for Timo Werner to state his worth as more than playing alongside Mason Mount in a reduced role behind the No 9.
Instead, the Germany international also suffered a problem, specifically a suspected pulled hamstring, and after requiring brief medical attention, headed straight down the tunnel shortly before half-time, replaced by Callum Hudson-Odoi.
His strike partner Lukaku’s earlier substitution means he is now on a run of seven games without a goal, something Tuchel blamed on him being “mentally tired” when he withdrew from Belgium duty early during the recent international break.
“I feel Romelu is a bit overplayed. He played in too many competitions over the summer with his country,” Tuchel said this week.
“He played the Nations League and he is a fantastic athlete and such a competitive guy that he never takes it easy. He wants to be out there and win.
“He wanted to have a good outcome for the European Championship with Belgium and now in the Nations League it was a huge match for him, it meant a lot personally to play for his country so he takes it seriously.
“If that does not work well he always puts it on his shoulders. He reflects about it and I feel him mentally tired.”
Lukaku and Werner will now be assessed before Chelsea’s next Premier League match against Norwich City on Saturday.
More to follow.
from Football – inews.co.uk https://ift.tt/3AZTb7b
Post a Comment