How to solve a problem like Lukaku? Drop him!

Tuchel’s decision to play Havertz as central striker reignites his team

- James Robson

Chelsea 2 Havertz 8, Pulisic 63

Lille 0

THOMAS TUCHEL has found a solution and created a problem.

With Kai Havertz at the point of his attack, Chelsea produced more verve than they have for the best part of three months.

But with the German leading the line, the question is what to do with Romelu Lukaku?

A £97.5million substitute is never a good look. And while Tuchel pointed to a combination of fatigue and protection when explaining the club-record signing’s omission from last night’s win against Lille, the true reason for his absence is clear.

Lukaku just does not fit into this Chelsea team — and it is debatable whether he ever will.

It is not for a lack of desire on Tuchel’s part. He wants to form a forward line around Lukaku and Havertz, the club’s two most expensive outfield players, with no shortage of pressure on his shoulders to make that axis work.

But at what cost? That was the calculation made by Chelsea’s manager as he plotted the defense of their European crown. Could he really risk another seven-touch show from his center-forward?