Chelsea take on Manchester United on Sunday in the Premier League and striker Romelu Lukaku is likely to start on the bench.
The forward finally returned to full fitness in midweek but remained an unused substitute against Juventus which was an indication that he will be starting against his former side.
But Thomas Tuchel has now revealed that Romelu Lukaku still might not be fit to lead the line on Sunday.
‘If you ask the player, he will say he can start for sure!’ said Tuchel on Friday.
‘But there is a bit of a difference between being ready for training and ready for games, and also between being ready for games and for Premier League games.
‘This is another step. We only have three changes so the possibility that he starts is not very high because we cannot be sure what happens in between matches. We have to find the balance between giving minutes but also being competitive for 90 minutes with the guys who play.’
Will Romelu Lukaku play this weekend?
If Romelu Lukaku is not fully fit then Timo Werner is obviously going to lead the line since Kai Havertz is recovering from a hamstring injury he will go through a late fitness test.
Both Kai Havertz and Romelu Lukaku were involved in full training today 💪🏽
– Images via @Mohxmmad pic.twitter.com/1LnIaka6dS
— Simon Phillips (@siphillipssport) November 26, 2021
With Raphael Varane and Harry Maguire both ruled out, Romelu Lukaku would have been the ideal striker to lead the line but if he is not ready then Tuchel will never risk using him especially with the busy winter schedule just around the corner.
Timo Werner has scored one league goal this season while Romelu Lukaku has netted three so goal-wise there’s not much difference but the Belgian can bully defenders and hold up play, something which the German won’t be able to do.
With Werner starting up front, players like Mason Mount and Hudson-Odoi will have to join in inside the box.
