Chelsea's lingering resentment from Romelu Lukaku's infamous interview has unsettled the Belgian as Thomas Tuchel prepares to weigh up his striker options in the summer.
The 28-year-old was virtually was non-existent in the Blues' 1-0 win over Crystal Palace as Hakim Ziyech scored a late winner at Selhurst Park.
Lukaku touched the ball just six times in open play against Patrick Viera's men - a Premier League record or the fewest involvements in a single game for a player who has completed 90 minutes - as his struggles continue in his debut season at Stamford Bridge.
Lukaku has ten goals in all competitions this season isn't a disastrous strike rate, but it's worth noting that he hasn't scored a Premier League goal since December - which happens to coincide with his controversial interview with the Italian media as he claimed that he wasn't happy following his £97million move from Inter Milan.
He did net two of Chelsea's three goals in Abu Dhabi to clinch the club's first Club World Cup but something is clearly bothering him.
Should Chelsea sell Romelu Lukaku next season? Comment below
The Daily Mail states an exit is unlikely but if Lukaku's poor form persists, it would be 'negligent' if Chelsea didn't consider trio Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe and Harry Kane who are are obtainable this summer.
Lukaku's lack of involvement on Saturday, as well as his body language, suggests he doesn't want to be at Stamford Bridge and his interview last month would back up that belief.
Lukaku went on record to say he wasn't satisfied being in and out of Tuchel's side.
The former Everton striker also expressed his desire to return to Inter one day as he admitted regret over the way he left the San Siro club.
He told Sky Sport Italia: "Physically I am fine, even better than before. This condition is due to my two years in Italy in which I worked a lot with trainers and nutritionists.
"It is something that will remain for always with me. However, I cannot say that I am happy with the situation, this is normal. I think that Tuchel has chosen to play with another module and I just have to not give up, continue to work and be a professional
"I think everything that has happened would have done differently, come I left Inter, as I talked to the fans, are things that annoy me.
"Now I think it is right to talk because I have always said that I have Inter in my heart and one day I sincerely hope to be able to play there again.
"I am in love with Italy. This is the time to let people know what really happened without speaking badly about people because I'm not like that."
He went on to conclude: "I want to apologize enormously to the Inter fans.
"I think I was wrong: the way I left had to be handled differently. I should have talked to you first. because the things you have done for me, for my family, for my mother, for my son will remain forever in my life.
"I really hope with all my heart to be able to return to Inter one day and not at the end of my career. I would like to return when I am still at high levels to try to win even more with the Nerazzurri shirt."
