Chelsea secured a 2-0 first leg win in their round of 16 Champions League clash with Lille on Tuesday, without the services of Romelu Lukaku.
The Belgian struggled against Crystal Palace on the weekend and didn’t even come off the bench against the French champions.
After the game, Thomas Tuchel admitted that a combination of fatigue and his poor display against the Eagles were the reasons for his absence.
“I think Lukaku was a bit tired, because he has played a lot, extra-time and travelling,” Tuchel told BT Sport.
“Also, it wasn’t his best game against Crystal Palace, so it’s better that he was on the bench and could change the game from there.”
Source: Marca
