Romelu Lukaku is a major doubt for Manchester United's visit to Chelsea next week.
Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has confirmed that Belgium striker will miss Saturday's visit to Leicester City and could remain sidelined for the upcoming clashes against Juventus and United.
“He's pushing hard,” said Tuchel when asked whether Lukaku would be fit to face Juventus and United.
He added: “It's pure speculation and it will not help, all I can say is, at the moment, we try hard. There are a lot of ifs and I don't want to put pressure on him. He's putting pressure on himself.”
“We will take things serious as always, have talks with doctors, physios, and the player.”
Since his £97.5 million return to Stamford Bridge in the summer, Lukaku has been a key component in Chelsea’s fine start to the season.
The 28-year-old joined United under Jose Mourinho in 2017 and netted 27 goals in 51 appearances in all competitions in his debut season at Old Trafford.
But he could only managed only 15 goals in 45 outings the following campaign — with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer replacing Mourinho midway through - and moved to Inter Milan in 2019.
He went on to score 30 goals in 44 games during Inter's title winning season under Antonio Conte.
Now back in English football, Lukaku is relishing the chance to prove to the world that he is more than capable of succeeding amongst the best players in the world.
United visit Stamford Bridge next Sunday, 28 November after trips to Watford and Villareal.
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