Liverpool could be handed major boost as Chelsea weigh up Romelu Lukaku punishment with Thomas Tuchel “livid”

Romelu Lukaku could reportedly be axed from Chelsea’s starting line-up for today’s crunch Premier League clash against Liverpool.

The Belgium international’s comments have angered Stamford Bridge boss Thomas Tuchel during an unauthorised interview.

Background

Speaking to Sky Italia, Lukaku dropped a bombshell when he admitted he was “not happy with the situation” in London.

The striker moved to Chelsea from Inter Milan for £97.5 million in the summer but revealed Tuchel has “chosen to play with another system” that he’d prefer.

So far, he’s scored seven goals in 18 games. Five of those have arrived in the top flight, which places him joint-20th in the scoring charts.

Lukaku also confessed he’d one day like to return to the San Siro.

Tuchel’s fury

According to the Guardian, Tuchel is said to be livid about the interview, which is said to have taken place three weeks ago without the club’s permission.

Having held talks together, the Chelsea manager is weighing up punishing Lukaku when Liverpool visit.

He could be dropped to the bench or jettisoned from the match-day squad altogether.

If that is the case then Kai Havertz could lead the line for the Blues in Lukaku’s place.

A brave move

It will be a bold move from Tuchel if he does indeed axe Lukaku heading into a huge encounter.

Chelsea sit in second place and 11 points behind Manchester City in the Premier League title race.

Liverpool are just one point and one place behind with a game in hand on the west London side.