Thomas Tuchel: Wolves brace can act as springboard for Romelu Lukaku

Chelsea head coach Thomas Tuchel has suggested Romelu Lukaku is set for a run in the starting lineup in what could be an unexpected turning point in the striker's career at Stamford Bridge.

90min reported in April that Chelsea are willing to cut their losses on their club-record signing and let the Belgian leave in the summer following a disappointing comeback campaign, with his former club Inter and Paris Saint-Germain interested in his signature.

However, his manager has suggested that an impressive brace in the frustrating 2-2 draw with Wolves on Saturday could now be a watershed moment for the 28-year-old, who is in line to start against Leeds United on Wednesday night.

Speaking ahead of the trip to Elland Road, Tuchel said: "When a striker scores two goals which brings you the lead and then increases the lead, then normally there is no way you can leave him out of the next game.

"I learned very early as a coach that your number nine, no matter what level whether it’s at academy or the first team, needs to score goals. If you draw 3-3 and your number nice scores a hat-trick, he can be happy and he can go off with a smile because he has done his job.

"Maybe this is an exaggeration with Romelu but this is how I felt after the Wolves match. He absolutely has the right to be happy with his performance personally, because scoring goals is the most important thing for a striker."

The Chelsea boss continued: "He is more than welcome to show finishes like he did against Wolves all the time! His second goal in particular was a brilliant finish.

Listen now to 90min's Chelsea podcast Wherever You May Be, hosted by Olivia Buzaglo. Each week, Olivia and guests Krishan Davis & Anita Abayomi talk all things blue. In our latest episode, the team discuss Antonio Rudiger's departure, Chelsea's recent form and Reece James.

"Romelu has scored goals all his life. It’s in his body and I tell him all the time to trust his body, trust his brain and to trust his instincts because he knows how to do it [finishing].

"He will never lose the ability to score goals, he just needs to rediscover that spark and hopefully after these two goals he can continue in this way.

"Romelu has worked hard in training, he works hard for the group and there is no big ego there and this is what we love about him. He is a top team player and we love this about him, so that is why he deserved to start against Wolves and he deserved his goals. Now he must continue in this way."

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