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Romelu Lukaku texted former Everton teammate Tim Howard about his Chelsea future - telling him he can 'say more' after a meeting on Monday.
Lukaku has been left out of the squad to face Liverpool this afternoon following a controversial interview with Sky Sports Italia.
The 28-year-old said he was unhappy with his role at Stamford Bridge and spoke fondly of Inter Milan, who he left last summer.
According to NBC Sport, Lukaku has been texting Howard and told him: “I can’t talk too much about it. It is very hot. There is another meeting on Monday. I have another meeting on Monday, I can talk more after that.”
Howard played with Lukaku at Goodison Park for three years and has spoken fondly of his character, explaining he's not 'venomous' and is a good guy.
He said per Chelsea Chronicle: “I think he’s frustrated, absolutely. The things happened at Inter, the way he left, the way he had to be sold for them to recoup some money for the club.
“He didn’t get an opportunity to speak to the and the way he wanted to and leave on his own terms.
“Even though when I spoke to him a few weeks ago, he spoke about unfinished business at Chelsea, I think that was also real, but I think it was a brave face to say ‘I’m here now, I have to come back and hopefully win some trophies.’
“But this does seem out of character for him to speak in this way.”
Lukaku has scored five goals in 13 Premier League appearances so far this season, with the last few months being disrupted by an ankle injury and Covid.
The Belgium international found himself out of the team for four games as manager Thomas Tuchel juggled an injury and Covid crisis.
Chelsea are currently second in the Premier League and 11 points behind leaders Manchester City.
A tough December has seen them draw three of their last four games and keep just one clean sheet, after having one of England's sturdiest defences earlier in the campaign.
Ben Chilwell is out for the season with an ACL injury and Reece James also faces a spell on the sidelines with a hamstring problem.
Liverpool, meanwhile, will have no Jurgen Klopp on the touchline after a positive Covid test.
Featured Image Credit: Sky Sport & AlamyTopics: Romelu Lukaku, Chelsea, Premier League
Daniel Marland