Chelsea manager Tuchel insists Lukaku could start Carabao Cup final

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Chelsea manager Tuchel insists Lukaku could start Carabao Cup final

Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel insists Romelu Lukaku is in contention for Sunday's Carabao Cup final against Liverpool.

Lukaku was dropped for the Champions League last-16 first leg with Lille on Tuesday, with his replacement Kai Havertz going on to score in the 2-0 victory.

Speaking after the game, Tuchel was asked if Lukaku had a chance to play on Sunday.

"Every game is different. The focus today was on intensity, a high-speed game and lots of hard work against the ball, off the ball, to have intensive teamwork and Romelu has struggled in the last games a little bit to deliver that.

"That's what I meant when I said he was tired, not only mentally tired but also physically tired, which I can understand.

"Since the Liverpool game [on 2 January] he started every match for us and there was some extra-time as well. It is like this and today we went for three other players and Kai is in good shape with a lot of confidence and work-rate.

"That was the decision today. For Sunday, we have four days to decide and to recover and of course Romelu has every chance to play."