Regarding Controversial Statements, Lukaku Has Apologized To Tuchel And Is Back In Training

Romelu Lukaku and Thomas Tuchel (Twitter @chelseafc)

JAKARTA - Thomas Tuchel on Tuesday said Romelu Lukaku had apologized for his controversial statements in the media. The Belgian striker is back in training.

The 28-year-old Belgium international was left out of the squad for Chelsea's 2-2 draw against Liverpool last weekend after telling Sky Italy that he was not happy with the "situation" at Chelsea and would like to return to Italy someday.

Tuchel yesterday called Lukaku's statement that he was not happy with his system of play was "unintentional".

"We have given him time to calm down. He has apologized and is back in the squad for training today," Tuchel told reporters ahead of the first leg of their League Cup semi-final at home to Tottenham Hotspur.

"For me, the most important thing is to clearly understand that the remark was unintentional. He didn't do this on purpose to make a fuss like this ahead of a big game."

Lukaku signed a contract with Chelsea which broke the Blues' record for a most expensive player worth 97.5 million pounds (IDR 1.85 trillion) after joining from Inter Milan at the end of last season.

"He's an emotional person, he doesn't hold back his opinion. Those remarks create a stir you don't want but his commitment to the team is unquestionable," added Tuchel.

Worried about fan reactions to Lukaku's remarks, Tuchel said it was the player's responsibility to "clean up the mess", but added that the club would look after him.

"Well, he is well aware of what has happened and what he has done, but he can handle it... we are happy that our player is and we will protect him," Tuchel said as quoted by Reuters.

Center back Trevoh Chalobah will miss the Spurs game after sustaining a hamstring injury on Sunday, while fellow defender Andreas Christensen and striker Timo Werner are both doubts.