FRANK LAMPARD will be sweating over the fitness of a number of key players ahead of Saturday’s game against Newcastle.
The Blues have a trio of players in a race against time to be fit after knocks or illness.
Christian Pulisic was unable to play for USA during the international breakCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Fans have been hoping to see Christian Pulisic return to action, having been struggling to get over a troublesome hamstring injury.
But Lampard, 42, said on the American: “Christian Pulisic is not fit for Newcastle but he’s stepped up his training slowly.
“It’s been quite a problematic injury so we’ll stay cautious.”
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Meanwhile, Kai Havertz has been recovering after testing positive for coronavirus, while 36-year-old Thiago Silva had a lengthy trip back from international duty in South America, having suffered a ‘terrible headache’.
Lampard elaborated on the duo: “Kai Havertz is back.
“His isolation is over and he tested negative two days ago so he’s just started training on his own to get some of his fitness back after two weeks at home.
“Thiago Silva has just landed and messaged me this afternoon so he probably won’t be going to Newcastle because of the length of his journey and timings.”
Ben Chilwell limped off the pitch during the first half of England’s 2-0 defeat to Belgium at the weekend.
Ben Chilwell was forced off the field after he appeared to injure his backCredit: AFP or licensors
But the left-back, who appeared to injure his back, was named among Gareth Southgate’s substitutes for the 4-0 win over Iceland last night.
Lamps added: “With Ben Chilwell, I haven’t seen him yet. He stayed with England and was on the bench last night. He’s been improving and getting fantastic care with England so I’m more positive he’ll be okay.
“We’re still waiting on some test results for players arriving back from international duty.
“Some of them played last night and will unfortunately not arrive back until this afternoon so with a 12.30 kick-off on a Saturday there are clearly a lot of challenges for us.”
Thiago Silva joined Chelsea on a free transfer this summerCredit: EPA
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
