HAKIM ZIYECH has limped out of Chelsea’s friendly with Brighton, just two weeks before the start of the Premier League season.
The Moroccan was making his first outing in a Blues shirt following his switch from Ajax.
Ziyech limped off injured at the AmexCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Ziyech writhed in agony by the touchlineCredit: Rex Features
But it ended prematurely, as just ten minutes into the second half Frank Lampard was forced to withdraw the 27-year-old.
After appearing to hurt his ankle while awkwardly twisting by the touchline, Chelsea’s medical staff were taking no risks, as physios helped the ex-Ajax star as he limped off the Amex pitch.
He was replaced by academy starlet Conor Gallagher.
Chelsea fans were excited to see two of their new boys in action on the south coast.
But it’s fair to say that Timo Werner had the better day.
The German found the net after just four minutes to give Chelsea the lead – although Ziyech was involved in the build-up.
And 2,500 Brighton supporters were present to witness it, with the match the first to be played in front of fans in England since March.
The social-distanced Seagulls fans took to the Amex after their club significantly scaled up their cleaning operations for the game as part of a government test event.
Ziyech got his first taste of action in Chelsea blueCredit: AFP or licensors
Curiously, the two teams will meet again at the same venue on the opening day of the Premier League season in just two weeks time.
Boss Lampard will hope to have Ziyech fit and available, as well as fellow new recruits Thiago Silva and Ben Chilwell.
The dup sealed their moves to Stamford Bridge this week, and could be followed by Kai Havertz before the September 14 clash.
Fans return to English football for first time in six months as Brighton host Chelsea in friendly at Amex stadium
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
