Frank Lampard has delivered a squad update ahead of Chelsea’s trip to Brighton for the Premier League curtain-raiser.
After producing an illustrious transfer campaign, Lampard will be desperate to repay the board with some piece of silverware.
The English manager has forked out approximately £200million to reinforce his squad. Ben Chilwell, Thiago Silva, Malang Sarr, Kai Havertz, Hakim Ziyech, and Timo Werner all landed at Stamford Bridge this summer.
However, not all of them will be able to make their competitive debuts for Chelsea immediately.
The London giants travel to the Amex Stadium on Monday to tackle Brighton on Matchday 1.
Unfortunately for Lampard, Thiago Silva, Chilwell, and Ziyech will have to remain on the sidelines.
Speaking of the players available for the upcoming showdown against the Seagulls, Lampard said: “[Hakim] Ziyech took an injury to his knee in the friendly against Brighton, he won’t be fit. We’re working with him and hoping it’s a matter of weeks. We’ll have to see on that one.”
“Ben Chilwell is working towards fitness but won’t be fit either. But he’s improved, which is good news for us,” he continued, as relayed by the Daily Mail.
“Thiago Silva is in London but not training with us until the weekend. I doubt very much he’ll be in contention.”
In the absence of the two newly-signed defenders, Lampard will be able to call upon Cesar Azpilicueta.
The Blues skipper sustained an ankle injury in the FA Cup final. Despite being a doubt for the entire week now, the 31-year-old will be fit.
Christian Pulisic, who also picked up an injury during the same game, will be able to fill in for Ziyech.
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