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Romelu Lukaku DROPPED for Chelsea’s massive Champions League clash with Lille after Crystal Palace horror show

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ROMELU LUKAKU was sensationally AXED by Chelsea for their clash against Lille.

The Blues striker was dropped to the bench for the Champions League game against the French side at Stamford Bridge.

Romelu Lukaku was benched by Thomas Tuchel for Chelsea’s win over LilleCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
Lukaku paid the price for a shocker at Crystal Palace at the weekendCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun

It came days after he had just SEVEN touches during the whole match at Crystal Palace over the weekend.

The former Manchester United star also had a fall out with Blues boss Thomas Tuchel over Christmas.

He was axed following an explosive interview in Italy where he said he wanted to play for Inter Milan again.

Tuchel said: “I felt him a little bit tired. He looked a little exhausted and you have to consider that he’s played a lot.

“We’ve had extra time [in the Club World Cup final], a lot of travelling recently and it wasn’t easy for him against Palace.”

Chelsea fans reacted with shock at the news, but were not surprised after his performance at Palace.

Kai Havertz showed Lukaku up with his performance vs Lille

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One said: “This is sad, but not a shock. He was really poor at the weekend and has been recently.”

Another backed him and added: “Lukaku has been better than Ronaldo this season.”

Chelsea decided to go for Hakim Ziyech, Christian Pulisic and Kai Havertz up front to face Lille.

And Tuchel would have been delighted with his selection as Havertz and Pulisic netted in a 2-0 victory to take a big step towards the quarter finals.

Havertz in particular shone as he stood in for Lukaku up top, with his 46 touches on the night emphasising the difference he made to Chelsea’s attacking threat.

Lukaku now faces taking his spot on the bench again for Sunday’s Carabao Cup final against Liverpool at Wembley.

Lukaku touched the ball just seven times against Crystal Palace

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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk

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