Tuchel admits Lukaku risk after striker inspires Chelsea victory
Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel admittedhetookafitnessrisk with Romelu Lukaku after the striker’s game-changing impact at Aston Villa.
The forward came off the bench at the break with the score locked at 1-1 to inspire the visitors to a 3-1 win on Sunday.
His first Premier League goal since September’s brace against Villa put Chelsea ahead and he then won an added-time penalty for Jorginho to score.
It was the Italian’s second from the spot after he cancelled out Reece James’ own goal in the first half.
Lukaku has been blighted by an ankle injury and then Covid-19 since October and while Tuchel was delighted with his impact, he said it was “not fair” to force him back into action for a full half.
Tuchel said: “There is no doubt he is super-important. Romelu will be a key player.
“Last time he started for us was in October, not because of quality or that we have any doubts we are better without him.
"He is unlucky to get injured.
“When he was struggling to come back in the schedule we have, he caught Covid.
"It (45 minutes) was more than the fitness and medical department recommended for him but we thought we could take the risk and be more offensive.”
Yet Tuchel admitted his celebrations are tempered because of his concerns surrounding his players’ health, having also lost N’Golo Kante and Thiago Silva to injury.
He said: “It’s a big win but I’m always concerned for the health and safety of the players and that’s why you don’t see me fully excited.
“Normally you could catch huge momentum and push them but the only thing we are doing is checking on a daily basis who can be pushed.”
Before the game, Tuchel expressed his frustration with officials at the Premier League’s “green table”.
“I am very impressed with my players but superconcerned,” he said.
“Maybe we made a big mistake here letting players play after corona and one or two training sessions.
"But obviously they (the Premier League) made us play and so we play.
“This cannot be the right way. People at the green table and people in offices take these decisions.
"This is how it is.”