Tuchel confirms Lukaku return to his squad

All seems to be back to normal at Stamford Bridge as Chelsea coach Thomas Tuchel recalls Romelu Lukaku to his squad.

Lukaku was dropped out of the Blues squad during their game vs Liverpool in the EPL on Sunday following the Belgian striker’s controversial interview with Sky Italia.

Tuchel, in a post-match statement, confirmed that the Belgium international had been restored to the squad ahead of their Carabao Cup semi-final first leg against Tottenham Hotspur.

This comes after the striker apologised for his interview with Sky Italia

“First of all, we were happy that we took the time needed to talk calmly about it. This is what we did. He apologized and he is back in the squad,” Tuchel told the press ahead of the Carabao Cup clash.

“It was clear for us to understand that he did not do this intentionally. Also, this is the very first time that he behaved like this.

“There was never a slightest behaviour against the team. This was the first time we felt him this way.’

“It’s not as big as people want it to be, as maybe you – the media – want it to be.

“At the same time it’s not small and it’s enough to accept an apology.

“He is aware of what happened and he created and feels the responsibility to clean the mess up but there may still be a smell of course. We are happy that he is our player and we will protect him.

“If someone strongly disagrees, this is about the team with everything we do.

“I never, before the interview, had the slightest doubt that he was not committed. He is an emotional guy, he does not hold back with his opinion. We should not just blame him and point on the negative side of it, we have to adapt.

“It created some noise that you don’t want but there are zero doubts in his commitment to the team.”