How Chelsea could line up against Liverpool with NO Lukaku after bombshell interview and Havertz up front instead
ROMELU LUKAKU has been axed from Chelsea’s squad for today’s mammoth Premier League clash against Liverpool.
The Belgian ace stunned Thomas Tuchel by declaring his unhappiness at Stamford Bridge.
Lukaku also admitted he would not have rejoined Chelsea in a club-record £97.5million deal had Inter Milan offered him a new contract.
And despite scoring in his last two games, Lukaku will not be leading the line against Jurgen Klopp’s Covid-hit Reds.
The interview has angered Blues boss Tuchel, who has punished the striker by dropping him from the squad, according to the Athletic.
Instead Kai Havertz is expected to be trusted from the start in a false-nine role.
Edouard Mendy will play in goal, with Marcos Alonso at left wing-back and Cesar Azpilicueta likely on the right following an injury blow for Reece James.
Andreas Christensen is also out, meaning Thiago Silva is set to return alongside Trevoh Chalobah and Antonio Rudiger.
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In midfield, N’Golo Kante is set to start and could be joined by Jorginho.
Meanwhile, Mason Mount and Callum Hudson-Odoi are likely to keep their places up top either side of Havertz.
Alternatively, Tuchel could choose Timo Werner to lead the line as an out-and-out striker, rather than Havertz.
Chelsea could opt to keep Christian Pulisic at right wing-back after his decent showing in the 1-1 draw with Brighton.
Mateo Kovacic could also keep his spot in midfield, with Timo Werner another option in attack after returning from injury.
And Kai Havertz is also available for selection after training this week, giving Tuchel another option instead of Lukaku.
But Hakim Ziyech, Ross Barkley and Ruben Loftus-Cheek are unlikely to feature.
Reports claim Chelsea are open to selling all three fringe midfielders this month.
That could open the door for one or two new faces as the Blues look to catch Manchester City in the title race.
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