Chelsea’s Romelu Lukaku to face late fitness test ahead of FA Cup semi-final with Crystal Palace
- Planet Sport writer
- 15 April 2022
Despite struggling with an Achilles tendon, Chelsea’s forward could still feature for the Blues in this weekend’s FA Cup semi-final.
The 28-year-old will face a late fitness test ahead of the team's trip to Wembley for the cup derby against Crystal Palace.
The player missed Chelsea's second-leg Champions League clash with Real Madrid, as well as their 6-0 thrashing of Southampton three days prior.
The Belgium international has been struggling for game time, having last played a full 90 minutes back in early March against Luton in the FA Cup.
Lukaku has struggled to find goals since his return to Stamford Bridge, scoring just five times in the Premier League this season.
However, he isn't the only injury worry for Thomas Tuchel ahead of the FA Cup semi-final. Callum Hudson-Odoi is set to remain on the sidelines with a back issue, while Ben Chilwell continues to recover from his knee surgery.
Crystal Palace also face problems as star man Conor Gallaher is ineligible for the fixture. The player is currently on loan at Selhurst Park and is unable to face his parent club.
Patrick Vieira's side could also be without Tyrick Mitchell and Michael Olise as the pair await late fitness tests.
In a further blow, full-back Nathan Ferguson will not be available for the Eagles due to a hamstring problem.
What's more, Vieira will have to chose between cup goalkeeper Jack Butland or his first-choice option, Vicente Guaita.
Chelsea have won nine games in a row against Palace, including both of their Premier League meetings this season.
However, Vieira's men enter this game on the back of a strong run which includes just one defeat from eight games across all competitions.
