Romelu Lukaku could spend up to four weeks out injured after twisting his ankle in Chelsea’s 4-0 victory over Malmo – meaning he is likely to miss their next six games.
Lukaku hobbled off early on during Wednesday’s rout against the Swedish team, picking up the knock when he was brought down inside the box after just 21 minutes.
It did not look good for the Belgium international, and on Friday Thomas Tuchel confirmed he will at least miss the London club’s next two matches.
- Jurgen Klopp fires back at Solskjaer in row over Man Utd’s penalties
- Bruno Fernandes responds to Man Utd fans calling for Solskjaer’s sack
- Henry says Mo Salah is not the best; names the player ahead of the Liverpool star
But according to The Sun, Lukaku could spend as long as four weeks on the sidelines with the ankle injury. That would come as a huge blow to Tuchel given he is the only recognised centre-forward at the club.
And the only other player who could operate in the role is Timo Werner, who will also miss their next two games after sustaining an injury in the same Champions League match on Wednesday.
Lukaku’s absence is the biggest concern for Tuchel, nevertheless, with Werner only scoring one Premier League goal so far this season.
If he is out of action for the next four weeks, the former Inter star could miss up to six games in the league, Carabao Cup and Champions League.
He will definitely be missing their Premier League game against Norwich at Stamford Bridge on Saturday and Wednesday’s Carabao Cup tie at home to Southampton.
A trip to Newcastle in the league is also in store on October 30, three days before a Champions League clash away at Malmo.
Burnley’s Premier League visit to Stamford Bridge on November 6 is also likely to come too soon for Lukaku, but their game against Leicester on November 20, after the international break, could be a possible return date.
Chelsea matches Romelu Lukaku could miss through injury
October 22: Norwich (H) – Premier League
October 26: Southampton (H) – Carabao Cup
October 30: Newcastle (A) – Premier League
November 2: Malmo (A) – Champions League
November 6: Burnley (H) – Premier League
November 20: Leicester (A) – Premier League
