Kevin Campbell has stated that it’s ‘not right’ that Romelu Lukaku has seemingly been axed from the Chelsea squad that will face Liverpool on Sunday, as he told Sky Sports News (02/01/22 at 10:10 am).
The former striker thinks Chelsea are ‘cutting their noses off to spite their face’ ahead of facing their ‘next biggest rival’ in Liverpool today.
Manchester City are 11 points clear at the top of the Premier League table and they will be rubbing their hands in glee at the events that will unfold at Stamford Bridge in a few hours time.
If Lukaku is indeed out, then this could have huge bearings for Chelsea and their quest to stay in the title race because this might just be a boost for a Liverpool team that has also faltered in recent weeks.
Campbell was critical of the possible call Tuchel has made today, even though he understands that he has to show his ‘power’.
“I understand Thomas Tuchel has to show his power,” said Campbell. “But if you are all of a sudden going to leave your star striker out, you are cutting your nose off to spite your face a little bit.
“You need all your weapons. Look at Manchester City, they are 11 points clear. This is your next biggest rival who you have to beat at home and you are possibly leaving your star striker out.
“It’s not right. You have got to play him.”
Sky Sports have reported that Tuchel has opted to leave Lukaku out of his squad ahead of the Liverpool visit after an interview he gave to Sky Italy.
Even though that interview was done a number of weeks ago, but aired over Christmas, it seems as though Lukaku spoke of his frustration at his role in west London.
The Belgium international, who was purchased for nearly £100 million from Inter this summer, also expressed a desire to return to the San Siro one day.
All in all, it has left a dark cloud over Stamford Bridge and it seems as though Lukaku has paid for his actions, whether you agree with what he had to say or not.
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