Romelu Lukaku has suggested he could be fit to play against Liverpool next week, after speaking at his Chelsea unveiling on Wednesday.
The Belgian striker re-joined the London club from Inter Milan for £97.5m last week, after having left Stamford Bridge to sign for Everton in 2014.
However, the 28-year-old didn’t feature in the club’s opening game win against Crystal Palace last weekend.
Speaking at his first press conference since sealing the move, Lukaku gave an indication on when he could make his second debut.
"I've done a full pre-season. For now, I just want to get to know my team-mates better”, he said.
"Then, at the end of the day, I'm available for the manager if he wants to play me."
Liverpool are set to face Chelsea next Saturday - and it looks possible the Reds could be lining up against Lukaku.
Having been handed the number 9 shirt by Thomas Tuchel, the Serie A winner has developed a lot since moving to Inter in 2019.
Combined with his Premier League experience, having also led the line for Manchester United for two seasons, Chelsea’s club-record signing will be a dangerous prospect for defences this season.
"Maturity has been important. I think I've learned much more about myself, setting higher standards”, the forward said about his years in Italy.
"As a player, it's about becoming more complete. In Italy, the game is different, there are tighter spaces, it's more technical and tactical, which helped me a lot.
"The English game is different but, for me, it's not something new. Whatever plan the coach has, I can adapt myself and help the team.
"I'm one of the players who likes to connect everybody and make everyone feel comfortable and give them confidence."
Chelsea take on Arsenal away this Sunday, with a trip to Anfield the weekend after.
Liverpool are in action against Burnley on Saturday before preparations to host Tuchel's side begin.
