Thomas Tuchel has explained his decision to omit Romelu Lukaku from Chelsea's starting eleven in the FA Cup semi-final against Crystal Palace. The Blues boss has handed starts to Timo Werner, Kai Havertz and Mason Mount following the trident's impressive displays against Real Madrid and Southampton.
The Belgium international has missed yet another start in a big game for the west London side this season, adding fuel to fire amid growing speculation regarding his future. Lukaku has featured seven times for Chelsea in the Premier League since the turn of the new year and, while the 28-year-old has struggle with injuries, his misfortune in front of goal hasn't bolstered his case.
Speaking ahead of the bout on ITV, Tuchel explained his reasoning behind dropping the Blues' £97.5m striker. He said: "The match fitness was not there. Otherwise, he would have had a very good chance [to start]."
