The forward was in contention to make his first start in the Premier League since the win at Brentford in mid-October, but was ruled out of the Everton match last night after he tested positive, alongside three other Blues players.

The Belgian took to Instagram to acknowledge his positive test and thank fans for their well wishes.

'A few days ago I tested positive for COVID. I am feeling good now and I am in isolation for the next days,' Lukaku wrote on his Instagram story. 'I've seen the messages so thank you for that.'

'Stay safe people,' our number nine added.

Thomas Tuchel announced pre-match last night that Lukaku, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Timo Werner and Ben Chilwell had all tested positive for the virus.

'The results are the results and the situation is the situation.' the Bavarian said pre-match. 'We still have a strong squad and one we want to push forward, and that should be able to compete. Like always, we focus on the guys who are there.'