ROMELU LUKAKU has been sensationally AXED by Chelsea for their clash against Lille tonight.
The Blues striker has been dropped to the bench for the Champions League game against the French side at Stamford Bridge.
It comes days after he had just seven touches during the whole match at Crystal Palace over the weekend.
The former Manchester United star also had a fall out with Blues boss Thomas Tuchel over Christmas.
He was axed following an explosive interview in Italy where he said he wanted to play for Inter Milan again.
Chelsea have decided to go for Hakim Ziyech, Christian Pulisic and Kai Havertz up front to face Lille.
N’Golo Kante and Mateo Kovacic will anchor the midfield against the French champions.
Edouard Mendy keeps his place in goal after a stunning Afcon win winners Senegal last month.
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And Tuchel has decided on a back five of Marcos Alonso, Andreas Christensen, Antonio Rudiger, Cesar Azpilicueta and Thiago Silva.
Chelsea fans reacted with shock at the news, but were not surprised after his performance at Palace.
One said: “This is sad, but not a shock. He was really poor at the weekend and has been recently.”
Another backed him and added: “Lukaku has been better than Ronaldo this season.”
