Thomas Tuchel
Some Chelsea supporters believe Kai Havertz is more suited to Thomas Tuchel’s system than Romelu Lukaku, following the latter’s injury. Lukaku was forced off in the first-half of the Blues ‘ 4-0 victory over Malmo in their third Champions League group stage game on Wednesday evening, with Havertz the Belgian’s replacement. After the match, Tuchel confirmed that the 28-year-old striker will be out for “a while”, as well as Timo Werner, who suffered a hamstring injury in the first half.
Thomas Tuchel said: “I don’t know too much more than you. Romelu twisted his ankle with the foul in the box and Timo has a hamstring injury. It will take a while for both of them. We need more examinations to be more precise but they will be out for some matches.”
So, it looks as if Lukaku may be missing for a few weeks because of his ankle injury but Tuchel may not have to worry too much, with some Chelsea supporters saying Havertz is a better fit in the German coach’s system. Havertz impressed when coming on for Chelsea in their win versus Malmo, scoring the third goal of the game with a delightful little dink over the goalkeeper. The Germany international is now expected to start against Norwich City on Saturday afternoon following his performance, as well as the fact Tuchel does not have too many options in offensive positions now. Havertz and Callum Hudson-Odoi were both brought on against Malmo, and the Chelsea duo impressed, and Tuchel told the pair what they need to do when they are on the pitch.
Thomas Tuchel said: “Always, always a chance and it is always necessary to prove a point. They can prove a point now so we will have some games without Romelu and Timo so everyone is invited to join the race for minutes on the pitch. When they are on the pitch, they need to show their hunger and determination to be decisive and be in the box. This is how it is and they did it today but there’s still room to improve and on Saturday we need the same hunger and determination from whoever starts for us because we need goals to win matches. We need to find solutions without Romelu and Timo, that is clear. Everyone will join the race to be decisive for us.”
