Chelsea head coach Thomas Tuchel has confirmed that his two strikers Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner, could be sidelined for some time after the two players picked up injuries in their Champions League game against Malmo. The duo started up front against Malmo last night, but they were forced off the pitch during the opening half.
Romelu Lukaku won a penalty for the Blues in the 17th minute. The rough challenge on him was one of the major contributors to his early substitution as he twisted his ankle. Towards the end of the half, German international Timo Werner pulled up with an evident hamstring concern. He was grimacing with pain as he was assisted down the tunnel.
Speaking after the 4-0 win, Tuchel confirmed injuries for both strikers and acknowledged that they could be out of action for some period of time. According to the German, he said: “Romelu twisted his ankle when he was fouled in the box, and Timo has a hamstring injury, so it will take a while for both of them.”
Thomas Tuchel also said: “We need more examinations to be more precise, but they will be out for some matches.” Chelsea has a favourable schedule ahead with Norwich City, who is yet to win a game in the league, and also Newcastle United before playing Burnley and then head in for the international break.
All three clubs are lying in the relegation zone at the moment, and the Blues have an excellent chance of maintaining their top spot in the coming weeks.
However, the absence of Lukaku and Werner is a huge blow for the club. Thomas Tuchel now has to reshuffle his attacking options for the matches ahead. He will have to use Kai Havertz as a false nine as he has been doing before could be a choice to play in the false number nine position, having know.