The Belgian’s inclusion in the starting XI is one of four changes Thomas Tuchel makes to his side for the visit of Brighton.

Like Lukaku, Mateo Kovacic starts in the league for the first time since October after injury and then illness. He replaces N’Golo Kante, who is on the bench.

Thiago Silva is not involved after picking up a knock at Aston Villa, so Andreas Christensen steps in to central defence.

The fourth and final change from Boxing Day is also at the back, where Cesar Azpilicueta comes in to make his 450th Chelsea appearance. Trevoh Chalobah makes way.

Christian Pulisic starts at right wing-back, with Reece James on the opposite flank. Kai Havertz is on the bench.

Chelsea: Mendy; Azpilicueta (c), Christensen, Rudiger; James, Kovacic, Jorginho, Pulisic; Hudson-Odoi, Lukaku, Mount.

Subs: Kepa, Alonso, Chalobah, Sarr, Kante, Saul, Barkley, Havertz, Ziyech.

Brighton: Sanchez, Lamptey, Veltman, Burn, Cucarella, Lallana (c), Bissouma, Mac Allister, Moder, Maupay, March.

Subs: Steele, Webster, Mwepu, Gross, Alzate, Welbeck, Duffy, Richards, Ferguson.

The referee is Mike Dean.