Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel could hand a debut to new star striker Romelu Lukaku this Sunday when the Blues take on Arsenal at the Emirates.

Having left Stamford Bridge in 2014, Lukaku has gone on to play for Everton, Manchester United and Inter.

However, his career has come (almost) full circle as he has now returned in a massive £96 million transfer from the Italian champions.

It is up to Tuchel as to whether Lukaku should be thrown straight into the starting XI, but as he has already played in this league, it could be an easier decision for the German to name him from the start.

Edouard Mendy will start in goal, probably behind the same back three that started the opening match of the season.

Trevor Chalobah was hugely impressive in his starting debut in the league, and he will partner Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen.

Thiago Silva is also a strong option.

In the middle of midfield, N'Golo Kante is in line to make a return from an ankle injury after sitting out the victory against Crystal Palace, which could mean Mateo Kovacic moving to the bench as the Frenchman partners Jorginho.

FOOTBALLTRANSFERS' MOST VALUABLE PLAYERS IN THE WORLD

Reece James was on the bench for the Palace game so he could potentially come back in at right wing-back, with Marcos Alonso retaining his place on the left after getting on the scoresheet against the Eagles.

In attack, Mason Mount and Kai Havertz could feature in the number 10 spots behind Lukaku if the big Belgian does indeed start.

Christian Pulisic and Ruben Loftus-Cheek have tested positive for Covid, while Hakim ZIyech may be available after a shoulder issue.

Arsenal completed two major signings of their own this week in Martin Odegaard and Aaron Ramsdale, but neither will be included in the Chelsea game.

Bernd Leno will start in goal, behind a back four of Calum Chambers, Pablo Mari, Ben White and Kieran Tierney.

Thomas Partey is still injured so Albert Sambi Lokonga will partner Granit Xhaka again.

This week it was revealed that Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Alexandre Lacazette, Alex Runarsson and Willian all tested positive for Covid before the Brentford game.

Although their isolation is now finished, they probably won't have the match fitness to start which means Arsenal should remain as they were from Brentford apart from Bukayo Saka coming in for Gabriel Martinelli.

That means Emile Smith Rowe and Nicolas Pepe will feature with Saka behind lone striker Folarin Balogun.

Starting XIs: Arsenal v Chelsea