A must-win clash
Although it is only January, Chelsea clash with Liverpool this afternoon has already taken on the form of a must-win affair for either side to stay in the title race.
Both Chelsea and Liverpool are 11 and 12 points respectively off the pace of current leaders Manchester City, although Jurgen Klopp’s side do have two games in hand, including this one.
FULL TIME | Starting 2022 with a win! ?
What a game! ?
? 1-2 ? #ManCity pic.twitter.com/LeE8chHOcz
— Manchester City (@ManCity) January 1, 2022
And while a win for either side could boost their title chances, a defeat could see them fall back towards the chasing pack for European football, with Arsenal sat 7 points behind Chelsea at present, and a gaggle of clubs behind them with games in hand thanks to a COVID affected last few weeks.
However, should Thomas Tuchel’s side ultimately come away with a win this evening, they will have to do it without their record signing.
Lukaku out of road?
Now, after whispers last night, it has now been confirmed that Romelu Lukaku will not play any part against Liverpool this afternoon, as punishment for his interview given earlier in the week.
? Romelu Lukaku is not in Chelsea squad for visit of Liverpool. 28yo striker at centre of controversy in recent days after release of unauthorised interview in Italy. #CFC will now be without £97.5m summer signing for huge #LFC game @TheAthleticUK #CHELIV https://t.co/SSrl7sAK4H
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) January 2, 2022
The Belgian forward is currently at the centre of controversy after admitting that he is not happy at Chelsea in a recent interview, as well as the fact that he would like to return to Inter Milan in the near future, during an extraordinary exchange.
Romelu Lukaku to @SkySport: “Physically I am fine. But I’m NOT happy with the situation at Chelsea. Tuchel has chosen to play with another system – I won’t give up, I’ll be professional. I am not happy with the situation but I am professional – and I can’t give up now”. ? #CFC pic.twitter.com/KGNoJ10cwp
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 30, 2021
Having scored in back to back games for the first time since September, Lukaku was beginning to show Chelsea fans just why they invested so much money in him in the summer. However, today they may well be reminded just why they needed him in the first place.
