Chelsea's New Number 9 Lukaku All Set To Face Arsenal On Sunday

19th August 2021

Now, almost 10 years after arriving in west London as an unknown teenager, Lukaku has returned as one of the world’s top strikers

Chelsea's new number 9 Romelu Lukaku. PHOTO | Chelsea FC
Chelsea's new number 9 Romelu Lukaku. PHOTO | Chelsea FC
SUMMARY
  • Chelsea's new signing Romelu Lukaku is in line to make his second debut against Arsenal on Sunday after he rejoined the Blues in a £98 million move from Inter Milan last week
  • On Wednesday it was revealed that Lukaku will don the number 9 jersey for Chelsea, a number that has been something of a poisoned chalice in recent years
  • His superb form, including 27 goals and 11 assists, helped Inter win Serie A last season.

Chelsea's new signing Romelu Lukaku is in line to make his second debut against Arsenal on Sunday after he rejoined the Blues in a £98 million move from Inter Milan last week.

The 28-year-old missed Chelsea’s win over Crystal Palace in their Premier League opener on Saturday while he quarantined but began training with his teammates on Wednesday.

The open training session was watched by ecstatic Chelsea fans who are elated at the prospect of him featuring in the London derby at the Emirates Stadium this weekend.

I’ve done a full pre-season. For now, I just want to get to know my team-mates better.

“Then at the end of the day I’m available for the manager if he wants to play me,” the Belgian forward stated.

On Wednesday it was revealed that Lukaku will don the number 9 jersey for Chelsea, a number that has been something of a poisoned chalice in recent years.

The likes of Gonzalo Higuain, Fernando Torres, Alvaro Morata and Radamel Falcao have all endured long goal droughts while wearing the jersey.

But Lukaku jumped at the chance to take the number after the jersey was vacated when Tammy Abraham joined Roma earlier this week.

“Yes, I have the number nine. I am happy and fortunate to be in this situation.

“The dream is reality so I have to prove on the pitch. It’s time to get to work and let my performances do the talking," he added.

Lukaku spent three years at Chelsea between 2011 and 2014, but rarely featured before being sold to Everton.

Now, almost 10 years after arriving in west London as an unknown teenager, Lukaku has returned as one of the world’s top strikers.

His superb form, including 27 goals and 11 assists, helped Inter win Serie A last season.