Crystal Palace fans on Twitter are (understandably) delighted that Romelu Lukaku will not be featuring for Chelsea when the two sides meet on Saturday afternoon.
Chelsea officially announced the acquisition of Lukaku on Thursday, but The Athletic’s David Ornstein swiftly revealed that the Belgian would not be able to feature against Palace at the weekend.
The Athletic’s explanation was that there were lingering ‘technical details’ which needed to be ironed out, but Thomas Tuchel has today revealed that Lukaku is in fact quarantining.
Thomas Tuchel confirms Romelu Lukaku is quarantining at the moment. Chelsea head coach says he has exchanged messages with the club’s record signing.
— Adam Newson (@AdamNewson) August 13, 2021
MORE: Lukaku could make second Chelsea debut vs. Arsenal but will miss Palace opener
While having one of the best strikers in the world unavailable for selection is obviously bad news for Chelsea, it is a pretty significant boost for their opponents, Crystal Palace.
Former Chelsea academy star Marc Guehi will not have to contend with the formidable Lukaku on his Palace Premier League debut, which he’ll no doubt be delighted about.
Palace fans on Twitter share Guehi’s delight, with many of them taking to their timelines to celebrate after news broke that the former Inter Milan hitman will not be involved.
Romelu Lukaku won’t be available for Chelsea against Palace this weekend, which is nice.
— HLTCO (@HLTCO) August 12, 2021
Thank you god https://t.co/qdtebSDGHR
— Dan????????? (@CpfcDan_) August 12, 2021
He was scared of being shown up by the king ? https://t.co/laU99lq8mf pic.twitter.com/h0iqbc2FKz
— Adam (@Adam_Palace) August 12, 2021
Get in https://t.co/5KijeQlsDf
— Cpfcboiling (@cpfcboiling) August 12, 2021
Extra time , no Lukaku …..
Rak-Sakyi off the bench ….
Not looking good for Chelsea ??#CPFC https://t.co/EYmAFx3yh5— Pride of South London Fan TV (@Alitheeagle1) August 12, 2021
Huge news for Crystal Palace if we are to get anything out of Saturday’s match against Chelsea. https://t.co/HUGzo4JYVW
— Alex Westry (@alex_westry) August 12, 2021
Unfortunately for Palace, Chelsea still have Kai Havertz, Mason Mount, Timo Werner, Christian Pulisic, Tammy Abraham and Callum Hudson-Odoi.
Tuchel’s men have quite extraordinary strength in depth in the attacking areas, which he’ll trust will see them safely through tomorrow’s contest with the Eagles on home turf.