BREAKING: Romelu Lukaku NOT INCLUDED In Thomas Tuchel Matchday Squad To Face Liverpool At Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku has not been included in Thomas Tuchel matchday squad to face Liverpool on Sunday.

Lukaku’s absence for such an important game at Stamford Bridge will surely come as a blow after the first leg tie between both teams ended in a 1-1 draw late in August.

The 28-year-old striker has been at the centre of a controversy this week due to an interview recorded several weeks ago in which he said he was unhappy with his role at the club.

The interview was aired on Sky Italia on Thursday, in which he said he would like to return to Inter Milan in the near future and was “not happy with the situation” at Chelsea.

Chelsea head coach Thomas Tuchel has not hidden his displeasure at the unauthorised interview and said during his most recent press conference that he would hold “behind closed doors talks” with Lukaku.

“I don't like it,” Tuchel said in a press conference after the interview had aired.

“But I don’t want to make more out of it than it actually is. It is very easy to take lines out of context.”

According to reports, Lukaku could also face a fine from the West London club for his now infamous interview that was conducted without the club’s permission, or apparently even the knowledge of his agent.

The Belgian international who is Chelsea record signing, arrived at Stamford Bridge for a second time from Serie A champions Inter Milan in a deal worth €115 million (£97.5 million) this summer.

He only returned to training last week having been out of action for more than a month due to an ankle injury and recovery from COVID-19.

He scored in his last two Premier League appearances for Chelsea against Aston Villa and Brighton. He has scored seven goals in 18 appearances

Chelsea are 11 points behind leaders Manchester City and need to beat Liverpool at home on Sunday to reduce the gap to eight points, and realistically have a chance of still competing for the title this season.