Reports suggest Romelu Lukaku has returned to pre-season training at Inter Milan overweight.
According to Gazetta dello Sport, the Belgian is not currently at the required weight of 101kg, a target he had reached in his prior spell with the club.
He looked close to his leanest when he made his second Chelsea debut against Arsenal, dominating the Gunners’ defenders and looking set to become a force to be reckoned with in the Premier League.
However, things didn’t work out as planned, with the striker making it clear that he didn’t want his future to be at Stamford Bridge.
After an explosive interview at the turn of last year, his relationship began to deteriorate with Chelsea fans, seeing him hardly make any starts in the second half of the campaign.
After a mutual agreement between the player, Thomas Tuchel and Todd Boehly saw the Blues eventually agree a deal with Inter to take the Belgium international on loan.
Lukaku returns to training overweight
However, the Serie A side will be disappointed with what Gazetta dello Sport have reported, with Lukaku not returning at the optimal weight.
Overweight or not, the 29-year-old appears confident that he can return to his best at the San Siro, with it being claimed numerous times by the player himself that he never really wanted to leave.
The move has now left the Blues a bit short for regular striking options, with returning loanee Armando Broja reportedly also pushing for a move away.
With options, and time before the season begins dwindling, Thomas Tuchel should consider giving Timo Werner another chance playing at striker, in an attempt to see him find the football he was playing during his time in the Bundesliga.
If his confidence returns, the Blues could have another goalscorer on their hands, alongside Premier League ‘100 club’ member Raheem Sterling.