Chelsea have now won only one in last six league games (GETTY Images)
Speaking ahead of the weekend derby vs Arsenal, Frank Lampard provided an update on the team news that Chelsea will be without three of their first-team stars against Arsenal due to injury.
Chelsea face rivals Arsenal on Boxing Day in the Premier League. The Blues’ return to winning ways in the league after a win against West Ham United on Monday was dampened by Ben Chilwell’s injury.
The left-back had to be substituted just 10 minutes after coming on due to an ankle injury. The £45million summer signing started in 10 consecutive league games before the win against West Ham.
He is joined on the sidelines by another English full-back, Reece James. The 21-year-old is recovering from a knee injury and will also not be in the squad against Arsenal.
“They’re both doubtful. We’re not sure whether they will be fit for either game.”
Lampard’s troubles are compounded by the fact that Hakim Ziyech is also ruled out with a thigh injury for the clash.
“No, he [Ziyech] won’t be fit for Arsenal. He had a knee injury at the start of the season and he now has a muscle injury.”
Lampard did add a positive touch to the news by saying he expects the Moroccan to come back next week and continue offering “great things” to the team.
The injury to the full-backs comes as a blow for the Chelsea boss. Lampard earlier expressed his hopes of having the duo involved in the matches around the Christmas period.
Luckily for the Blues, the team is not devoid of quality on the bench. While James and Chilwell will be a huge miss, other players in the squad have proven capable enough to step in when needed.
Lampard’s men will be looking to reclaim a top-4 spot this week but cannot afford to be callous against Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal.
Even though Arsenal are winless in their last 7 league games, the stakes in the derby are always high and the form-book usually goes out of the window in such matches.
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