Chelsea's recent decline connected to Ziyech's injury, says Lampard

The Blues boss eagerly awaits the return from injury of a player who has been a source of immense creativity in his new team.

Frank Lampard insists it is ‘not a coincidence’ that Chelsea are suffering a dip in form in the absence of Hakim Ziyech.

The Morocco international picked up a hamstring injury in the win over Leeds United in the first week of this month.

The Blues have been able to win just one of their five Premier League matches since then with their latest result a 1-1 home draw against Aston Villa.

Ziyech arrived at Stamford Bridge from Ajax in the previous transfer window, and Chelsea are yet to lose a match with him on the pitch.

Speaking after full-time at Stamford Bridge on Monday, Lampard was also hopeful that he could welcome the player back in the team just in time for the crunch clash against Manchester City.

“Not a coincidence. We can’t rely completely on him. He was very effective of us in terms of creation and goals,” Lampard responded when asked about the significance of the attacking midfielder’s absence, via Goal.

“It helped, we were very fluid until he got injured. We want him back.

“There’s a possibility he could be fit for [Sunday’s game against] Manchester City if it goes ahead,” the London side’s head coach added. “He’s close.”