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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Joshua Smith

Chelsea news: Romelu Lukaku's struggles explained as Blues take control of Lille tie

Fabio Capello as attempted to explain the reason for Romelu Lukaku's struggles since returning to the Premier League.

Lukaku returned to Stamford Bridge last summer as the Blues splashed out a record £97.5million for the Belgium international.

But his return has been far from smooth sailing, with the striker setting an unwanted Premier League record of touching the ball just seven times against Crystal Palace at the weekend - something which piqued the interest of the ex-England manager.

It comes as the Blues took charge of their Champions League last-16 tie with Lille as they claimed a 2-0 win, which included an emotional tribute to Jamal Edwards MBE following his tragic death earlier this week.

Here are Mirror Football's latest Chelsea headlines.

Have Your Say! What did you make of Chelsea's performance against Lille? Tell us here.

Romelu Lukaku has struggled since his return to Chelsea (Getty Images)

Lille talking points

Chelsea claimed a 2-0 Champions League win over Lille to take control of their last-16 Champions League tie.

Kai Havertz and Christian Pulisic made light of Romelu Lukaku’s omission to spearhead the Blues' attack, with both players getting on the scoresheet.

It was also an impressive performance from N’Golo Kante at the heart of the Chelsea midfield.

The game was full of action, and Mirror Football has covered all of the big talking points from the match at Stamford Bridge.

Read the full story here.

Fans pay special tribute

Chelsea fans paid a special tribute to lifelong fan Jamal Edwards, who tragically passed away earlier this week.

The founder of online music and culture platform SB.TV, who is also the son of ITV's Loose Women panellist Brenda Edwards, passed away following a short illness.

And Chelsea paid a fitting tribute to the 31-year-old during their Champions League encounter with Lille on Tuesday night as fans held a minute's applause in the 31st minute of the game.

Fans also chanted the Chelsea fans name in an emotionally-charged tribute to the entrepreneur.

Read the full story here.

Lukaku's struggles explained

Fabio Capello has explained exactly why Romelu Lukaku has struggled to make much of an impact on the pitch following his return to the Premier League.

Lukaku was one of the best players in Italy last season as he fired Inter Milan to the Serie A title, but has not enjoyed the same success on his return to Chelsea.

But, speaking on Italian TV, Capello has explained how the tactical set-up of Thomas Tuchel's side, along with the physicality of the Premier League, have caused problems for Lukaku this season.

Read the full story here.

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