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Lukaku targets return against Hammers

Belgian striker wants Champions League football

Romelu Lukaku says that he will be back in the Everton squad on 1st March as he plots his return to action following an ankle injury.

The 20-year-old striker is rehabilitating in his native Belgium from the injury he picked up in last month's Merseyside derby and told RTBF Sport that he expects to be available for the visit of West Ham United at the start of next month.

Lukaku, the Blues' top scorer this season with nine goals, could be fit earlier than that but he will be ineligible for the trip to his parent club, Chelsea, on 22 February.

Lukaku also made clear his desire for Champions League football next season, stating that it was time for him to play in Europe's elite competition. With Everton's top-four challenge showing signs of stalling, the natural assumption is that that will be with Chelsea, despite Roberto Martinez's wish to sign him permanently in the summer.

He was once again quizzed over his loan move to Goodison this season but he reiterated that it was his decision to join Everton and that he has no issue with Jose Mourinho. He said that he will be returning to Stamford Bridge at the end of the season when his season-long loan at Goodison ends.

“I'm turning 21, I've been a professional for five years already," Lukaku is quoted as saying by Belgian newspaper Het Laatste Nieuws. "It is high time that I play in the Champions League.”

“It is the next step I need in my development. Full stop.

“Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney were experienced already at that level when they were just 23-24 years old. I want to play Champions League football now. I must now show I'm ready for it."

 

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