Chelsea have suffered an injury scare after Romelu Lukaku withdrew from Belgium’s Nations League squad.
Belgium were beaten 3-2 by France in midweek and will now face Italy in the third-place play-off. Lukaku, who got on the scoresheet against France, played the full 90 minutes of the game.
But he is now heading back to West London for treatment on a knock while Eden Hazard is also out of the Italian clash and is returning to Real Madrid due to injury. Belgium boss Roberto Martinez said:
“Romelu Lukaku is suffering from muscle fatigue. “He not in the best condition to play. “He is leaving the national team camp due to these problems – I don’t know how long it will take.”
The 28-year-old is both the club and country’s ace striker and his absence will trouble both sides. To add further anxiety to the issue, Belgium manager Roberto Martinez has failed to put a definitive timeline on Lukaku’s return. Chelsea travel to local rivals Brentford on Saturday before switching their focus back to defending their Champions League crown when they take on Malmo.
Lukaku returned to Chelsea this summer in a £97.5million deal, smashing the club’s transfer record. The striker has started well with four goals in nine total appearances, including three in six in the Premier League.
Timo Werner’s time to shine after Romelu Lukaku injury?
Lukaku’s absence could be the catalyst for Timo Werner to regain his spot upfront. 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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