Tuchel sidesteps search for missing Lukaku

The Belgian striker set an unwanted record at Selhurst Park on Saturday when he managed only seven touches of the ball

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 19: Romelu Lukaku speaks to Malang Sarr of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Chelsea at Selhurst Park on February 19, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

ROMELU, ROMELU, wherefore art thou, Romelu?

Apologies for misquoting Shakespeare, but there is a valid question being asked by Chelsea supporters after another lacklustre performance from Lukaku. He set a club record last summer when he was signed for €100m, and he set an unwanted record at Selhurst Park on Saturday when he managed only seven touches of the ball, and one of them was to kick off. It was the lowest total from any Premier League player since these statistics have been recorded, and led to a question that Thomas Tuchel sidestepped smartly.