Courtois backs Lukaku despite ‘strange’ problems

LONDON, United Kingdom: Real Madrid ‘keeper Thibaut Courtois said on Tuesday Romelu Lukaku’s lack of playing time at Chelsea is “strange” but believes his Belgian compatriot will come good under Thomas Tuchel.

Lukaku has fallen out of favour under Tuchel this season, with Kai Havertz expected to lead the line in Wednesday’s first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals against Real Madrid.

“I know Romelu is a really great striker. Obviously, it is a bit strange not to see him play that much lately,” Courtois said in a press conference ahead of the first leg. “He is a guy with an enormous quality. He finds the goal easily.

“Obviously, there are other great strikers at Chelsea. I understand it is not always easy when the team is winning, obviously, the manager keeps playing the same players.

“But I’m sure he will get through it. Sometimes you just need a little adaptation. I had the same thing in my first season at Real Madrid, it wasn’t easy. I’m sure he will come through.”

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has not travelled with the squad to London as he is still isolating at home due to his positive test for Covid last week.

Madrid remain hopeful Ancelotti will test negative and join up with the squad on Wednesday - but Courtois said the players can cope without the Italian.

“We know how he is, how he wants us to train and he participated in a chat with us by video call,” saif Courtois. “Obviously there is a difference if he is on the bench and can participate more, but in Celta Vigo (on Saturday) the technical team did very well.”