Lukaku’s dismal run hits new low as striker misses open goal from six yards out in Inter defeat

Romelu Lukaku’s disappointing season reached a new low after the striker missed an open goal in Inter Milan’s 1-0 loss to Fiorentina.

Chelsea boss Graham Potter had hinted the striker could return to the team when his season-long loan at the Serie A club ends in the summer.

But the Blues boss may have doubts after the 29-year-old Belgian striker went blank in Saturday’s game at the San Siro.

Lukaku was unable to convert a cross from six yards in the second half.

And the miss proved costly as Giacomo Bonaventura headed in from close range to claim a memorable win for Fiorentina.

Lukaku faces an uncertain future amid reports in Italy that he does not want to return for a third season at Stanford Bridge.

But Potter revealed that Lukaku is a player he “likes a lot” and opened up the possibility of him being called up to the Chelsea squad next season.

Speaking ahead of a home game against Aston Villa, Potter admitted he could make use of the club’s old record £100m signing.

He said: ‘Although he is our player, he is on loan and he is an Inter Milan player. I think it’s important that he end it. So we have to make a decision in the summer.

Chelsea boss Graham Potter has hinted that the striker could be called up to the team next season.

“He’s someone I admire a lot, I like him a lot, but again it’s just something to think about over the summer.”

Inter reportedly paid a loan fee of around £7 million for his services.

But he has only scored three goals in 16 league games.

He scored 64 goals in 95 appearances during his previous two-year spell at the San Siro.