Blow for Chelsea as Romelu Lukaku withdraws from Belgium squad with muscle fatigue
According to The Standard, Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku has withdrawn from the Belgium squad ahead of their UEFA Nations League clash against Euro 2020 champions Italy later tonight.
The 28-year-old is both the club and country’s ace striker and his absence will trouble both sides. Lukaku was on target earlier in the week as Belgium fell to World Champions France in the semifinals of the Nations League.
The Red and the Black will now have to take on Italy in the third-place playoff game sans the big Chelsea man. The reason for Lukaku’s withdrawal has been specified to be muscle fatigue.
Lukaku’s withdrawal will be of concern to Thomas Tuchel heading into next weekend’s Premier League fixtures. The Blues take on a high flying Brentford side who will be up for the challenge.
To add further anxiety to the issue, Belgium manager Roberto Martinez has failed to put a definitive timeline on Lukaku’s return. Hopefully, his condition is not as bad as feared and he will not be out for too long.
The 28-year-old returned to Stamford Bridge earlier this summer for a club-record fee after impressing at Inter Milan. He has since scored four goals in nine appearances for the Blues.
Lukaku’s absence could be the catalyst for Timo Werner to regain his spot up front. The German international has scored for both club and country in recent days and appears to be in good nick.
Werner has largely fallen short of expectations at Chelsea. However, his form appears to be picking up. With Lukaku now a doubt for the weekend, it remains to be seen if he will seize the bull by the horns and take his chance.
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Losing Lukaku is a major blow for Chelsea and they will hope he is not too seriously injured. Former Blues superstar Eden Hazard also withdrew from the squad and has returned to Real Madrid.
