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Romelu Lukaku: Chelsea and player both to blame for striker's situation - Mauricio Pochettino

Blame for the long-running stand-off between Chelsea and Romelu Lukaku must be shared on "both sides", says Blues boss Mauricio Pochettino.

The Belgium international - who cost £97.5m when he signed from Inter Milan just over two years ago - has not played for the club since May 2022.

He spent last season back at Inter on loan but Chelsea have been unwilling to let him leave again this summer unless it is on a permanent deal.

"It's two sides," said Pochettino.

"You cannot put it only on the club, the situation. It's both sides.