Romelu Lukaku could make Chelsea comeback from month-long ankle injury against Juventus, reveals Thomas Tuchel

Chelsea have been handed a major boost with news that Romelu Lukaku is on the verge of a return from injury – with Tuesday’s clash against Juventus a possible date, although Kai Havertz is doubtful for the pivotal encounter.

Lukaku has been out of action for just over a month after damaging right ankle ligaments during the Blues’ 4-0 win over Malmo in the Champions League on October 20.

The European champions continue their defence in midweek when Juventus visit Stamford Bridge – a fixture which will determine who tops Group H.

Tuchel on Lukaku

And speaking ahead of that match, Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel revealed that he could be bolstered by the presence of Lukaku as a substitute after stepping up his recovery in training.

‘Not sure yet [Lukaku],’ Tuchel said on Monday when asked about the possibility of Lukaku featuring.

‘He seemed OK in training yesterday, we will see about the reaction. He has an appointment with the doctors and physios.

‘Maybe we can bring 20 players to the squad. The last minutes would be the absolute maximum.’

Tuchel on Kai Havertz

His outlook on Havertz though was less positive after he was forced off during Saturday’s 3-0 Premier League win at Leicester City due to a hamstring complaint.

‘Jorginho is absolutely OK. Kai had a hamstring problem so we took him off and we have some doubts with him,’ he continued.

‘This is more or less the question mark.’