Chelsea Now Facing Lukaku Dilemma as Striker Is Ruled out Of Belgium’s Opening 2 Games

• Lukaku is expected to miss Belgium’s first two group games through injury
• This will likely be a huge blow to Chelsea, who are now concerned that the value of the striker is depreciating
• Lukaku rejoined the Blues for a staggering £97.5million but failed to live up to his price tag

Chelsea might find themselves in a dilemma regarding selling Romelu Lukaku because of the striker’s injury problems which is hampering his game time.

Despite being selected to be part of Belgium’s 26-man squad for the World Cup, Lukaku is set to miss his nations’ opening two games as he continues to recover from a stubborn thigh injury.

This effectively means the Red Devils will have to play the games against Canada and Morocco without the services of the striker.

Even then, he still has to prove his fitness levels to be considered for the final group game against Croatia.

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Meanwhile, Belgium will have to look at Dries Mertens, Michy Batshuayi and the inexperienced Lens forward Lois Openda for goals in their opening two games.

Chelsea’s dilemma

Lukaku made the famous switch back to Stamford Bridge for £97.5million last summer, but an underwhelming spell back meant Chelsea had little choice but to loan him back to Inter this season.

With the Nerazzuri, he has been unable to find the form that saw him help the team to the Scudetto in 2020, having only played just five times for the Serie A giants.

According to Evening Standard, Chelsea’s biggest concern is the fact that the lack of games for Lukaku will adversely affect his market value, which could point to losses in the event they decide to seal a permanent transfer for the Belgium international.

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One move Chelsea owner Todd Boelhy could go for is allowing Lukaku another loan spell next season, before eventually deciding to sell him permanently.

Chelsea monitoring Jordan Pickford

Sports Brief also earlier reported on how Chelsea are monitoring Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford ahead of England’s World Cup campaign.

The Blues are searching for a new number 1, after their two current goalkeepers Kepa Arrizabalaga and Edouard Mendy failed to convince Graham Potter.

Potter, a former Brighton manager, prefers a goalkeeper who is comfortable on the ball, and can effectively play out from the back.