Tuchel: 'Lukaku is not only physically tired but mentally tired'

"Every game is different," Thomas Tuchel said on Romelu Lukaku and his decision to bench the striker for the Lille win (2-0).

"The focus today was on intensity, a high speed game, hard work against the ball. Romelu is not only physically tired but mentally tired.

"Since the Liverpool game, he has started every match for us and played some extra time. It is like this.

"Today we went for three other players and Kai was in very good shape and brought high intensity to the team.

"For Sunday, we have four days to decide and recover.

"It was not the moment after the [Palace] match where everybody was focused on his touches. It wasn't the moment to put him in the fire, it was a moment to take a step back."

Kai Havertz put in a magnificent performance at centre-forward against Lille so it would be difficult for Lukaku to reclaim his spot.

The Blues face Liverpool in the League Cup final on Sunday.