Here is your Chelsea morning digest for Sunday, February 20.
Romelu Lukaku's attacking woes
Thomas Tuchel's reluctant and underwhelming admission of being out of a title race was reflected just in the tone of the attacking play seen in the Blues' fortuitous win over the Eagles on Saturday afternoon.
Hakim Ziyech bailed out the lacklustre Chelsea forward line that didn't help at all with getting Romelu Lukaku heavily involved in the play, as it was revealed after by Opta that he only had a mere seven touches of the ball during the 90 minutes with only two of those seven coming in the opening period.
Not really his fault on this occasion as the £97.5million man conjured up two shots for himself from the small service available to him, something that will worry Tuchel ahead of Lille in midweek.
"I'm not so sure if I have a good answer. I don't know what it says. It says he was obviously not involved and could not make a point today. I am not sure if it says so much about us in general," Tuchel said in his post-match press conference.
Read more here.
Barcelona's Azpilicueta interest
Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta's current deal is set to expire in the summer and currently it doesn't look likely that the former Marseille defender will commit his long term future at the club.
This has led to Barcelona intensifying their interest in the player, according to recent reports, with manager Xavi keen on adding experience to his squad.
Read the full story here.
Armando Broja's Chelsea future
Chelsea loanee Armando Broja has been in fine form for the Saints this season, which has resulted in London rivals Arsenal increasing their interest in the player.
Broja currently has four years remaining on his current deal, but his future at Stamford Bridge is uncertain.
However, his mother Blerina has suggested that first-team football will be his priority first and foremost.
Speaking to Albanian outlet Gazeta Tema, she said: "We are used to seeing him being on the pitch [and not on the bench].
"I think it’s very important that wherever Armando goes, he plays on the pitch. For a player, this is very important.
"Therefore, any decision that Armando makes will also be our decision as a family."
Read the full story here.
