Romelu Lukaku’s Chelsea team mates are reportedly ‘convinced’ the former Manchester United and Everton ace is seeking an exit from Thomas Tuchel’s side.
The Belgian was excluded from the reigning Champions League holders’ match-day squad which drew 2-2 with Liverpool at Stamford Bridge.
His absence was a clear demonstration of Tuchel laying down the law, after Lukaku’s jaw-dropping interview hampered Chelsea’s preparations to face Jurgen Klopp’s side.
An interview with Sky Sports Italia, believed to be from weeks ago, was finally published to the shock and horror of Tuchel and the rest of the club.
And Lukaku’s team mates believe the Belgian wants to leave the club, less than six months after the Blues’ signed him for £97.5million in the summer.
“I was speaking to one of the players and asked him if anyone was sticking up for Lukaku", a source close to the Athletic said.
“He said no. None of them can believe he’s done it.”
The reports goes on to claim that the Chelsea dressing room believe Lukaku's bombshell is a tactic to help him secure a move away from the club.
Lukaku slammed Tuchel’s tactics and side’s playing style, as well as highlighting his desire to return to former club Inter Milan in the future, in a shocking interview with Sky Italia.
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“I’m not happy with the situation and that’s only natural,” Lukaku said.
“The head coach has decided to play a different system and I mustn’t let up.
“I need to keep working hard and be professional. I’m not happy with the situation but I am a grafter and I mustn’t let up.
“I think the coach can get me playing more but I have to respect the choices he makes. All I have to do is keep working and wait for my moment.”
While Lukaku has ruffled plenty of feathers at Stamford Bridge, Tuchel stated he will hold clear the air talks with the frustrated forward.
“First we have to evaluate the situation and not listen to the media or the pressure.
“But we want to understand what he said and why he said it. This is the meeting tomorrow.
“From there, we will take the decision and if the decision is, ‘He is good to go on Wednesday’, this is the decision. If it’s not, it’s not.”
