Team News: Romelu Lukaku returns for Chelsea versus Arsenal, no Antonio Rudiger

Romelu Lukaku has been handed a start for Chelsea in Wednesday's Premier League fixture against Arsenal, but Antonio Rudiger misses out on the first XI.

The Belgium international's last start in the top flight came all the way back on February 19, his only two starts since that date being in the FA Cup.

However, having made his return from an Achilles issue against Crystal Palace on Sunday, Lukaku is recalled to the starting lineup, taking the place of Kai Havertz.

Thomas Tuchel has also decided to hand a rest to Antonio Rudiger, introduced Malang Sarr in his place, while Ruben Loftus-Cheek has been selected in midfield with Mateo Kovacic out injured.

N'Golo Kante also returns to the team ahead of Jorginho, but the likes of Trevoh Chalobah, Thiago Silva and Christian Pulisic only feature among the replacements.

Ross Barkley is selected on the substitutes' bench after illness.

Chelsea: Mendy; James, Christensen, Sarr; Azpilicueta, Loftus-Cheek, Kante, Alonso; Mount, Lukaku, Werner Subs: Arrizabalaga, Chalobah, Thiago Silva, Jorginho, Saul, Barkley, Havertz, Pulisic, Ziyech

Arsenal: Ramsdale; Holding, Gabriel, White, Tavares; Elneny, Xhaka; Smith Rowe, Odegaard, Saka; Nketiah Subs: Leno, Soares, Swanson, Sambi Lokonga, Azeez, Hutchinson, Martinelli, Pepe, Lacazette