Explanation provided for Lukaku failing to feature for Chelsea vs Everton

Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel was this evening drawn on his decision not to make use of the talents of Romelu Lukaku in his side’s meeting with Everton.

The Blues, of course were back in action a short time ago, making the trip to Goodison Park for a Premier League showdown with relegation-battling Everton.

Another disappointing display, though, ultimately culminated in Chelsea being put to the sword, after Cesar Azpilicueta’s uncharacteristic mistake early in the 2nd-half was capitalised on in ruthless fashion by Richarlison:

DEADLOCK BROKEN! ?

Richarlison picks the pocket of Azpilicueta on the edge of his own area and cooly slots the ball past Mendy! ? pic.twitter.com/P0VEFoeDi4

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 1, 2022

Despite his side trailing from then on, as alluded to above, Thomas Tuchel opted against making use of the goalscoring talents of Romelu Lukaku on Sunday, leaving his Belgian international hitman on the bench throughout the 90 minutes on Merseyside.

In turn, speaking to the media on the back of the full-time whistle, Chelsea’s boss was inevitably drawn on this very call.

Tuchel, though, appeared to suggest that his hands were left somewhat tied, in explaining that he ‘only had three changes’ available:

Tuchel on why he didn’t use Lukaku: “I had to take Jorgi off, I only have three changes.” #CFC #EVECHE https://t.co/rtTS7kn4Fb

— Nizaar Kinsella (@NizaarKinsella) May 1, 2022

Rivals closing

Turning attentions back towards the eventual outcome at Goodison Park, and its ensuing impact, concerns will no doubt be slowly creeping in across the Chelsea fanbase ahead of the season’s run-in.

Their latest defeat on Sunday means that the capital outfit now sit just five points clear of Tottenham in 4th.

Not only that, but, should Arsenal get the better of West Ham at the London Stadium this evening, then the Gunners will leapfrog Spurs, in the process closing the gap to Tuchel and co. to just three points…

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