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Lampard gives update on Ziyech ahead of Man City clash

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Frank Lampard has given the latest update on Hakim Ziyech’s fitness ahead of Chelsea’s crunch clash against Manchester City on Sunday.

Frank Lampard has hinted Hakim Ziyech could be fit in time to play a part against Manchester City when both sides meet at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

The Moroccan forward has been out of action since last month after pulling his hamstring against Leeds on December 2, 2020.

Ziyech made his last contribution in that game with a pass to Reece James that led to the build-up to seal the equalizer for the Blues at the time. He had to come off just after 30 minutes in that fixture.

Due to that injury, the former Ajax man has missed the last six games for Chelsea across all competitions.

Coincidence or not, the Blues have struggled in the absence of Ziyech and have only one win from their last five Premier League games.

Ahead of a crucial game against Manchester City, Chelsea might have seen a possible boost after Lampard revealed the 27-year-old could be available for that game.

“He’s fit to train and has trained the last two or three days so I’ll have to make the decision on whether he’s ready to start.” Lampard said during Friday’s press conference per Chelsea’s website.

With a tally of 2.27 chances per 90 minutes, no Chelsea player has been more willing to get on the creative end of things than Ziyech.

Frank Lampard himself recently admitted the Blues are eager to see the forward back in action given his impact in the squad so far.

“I think with Hakim, the way he was playing, he was being very effective for us in terms of assists, goal creation, chance creation, and some goals,” he said after the Blues 1-1 draw with Aston Villa.

“He also had a real confidence in the way he was playing and we were very fluid at the time. He got injured when we were in a great run of form, so I think it has been a point. 

Ziyech will now face a late fitness test to determine if he will be able to start against City or at least play a part in that game.

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