The Belgian begins training with the Blues this week after a period of self-isolation and Thomas Tuchel is hopeful to have his new striker available for the visit to Arsenal on Sunday.

Alonso knows Lukaku’s strengths well having faced him in the Premier League prior to his move to Inter Milan, and he is pleased he will be able to call him a team-mate from now on.

‘I’m looking forward to playing with him,’ said the Spaniard.

‘He’s going to be a great help for us. He’s a great player, it’s good to have him back [at Chelsea] and I’m looking forward to start training with him.’

Alonso’s trademark free-kick on Saturday was all made all the more special because it was the first goal scored in front of a full house at Stamford Bridge for nearly 18 months. The roar of approval as the ball hit the net lifted Alonso’s spirits, as did the crowd regular singing the left wing-back’s name.

‘We all feel it. It’s a massive difference. We were all looking forward to it and it’s great to have the fans back.

‘I was very happy for that goal. It’s been a tough pre-season as usual, so I’m very happy to start the season like that, I’m looking forward to the next one.

‘We need to leave our Champions League victory for now and focus on the new season. There are a lot of things to play for. We need to go again like the end of last season, 100 per cent, and step by step we will get there.’