INJURED Chelsea duo Hakim Ziyech and Callum Hudson-Odoi could return to training this week, Frank Lampard has confirmed.
The Blues boss desperately needs attacking reinforcements after a string of poor displays in front of goal.
Callum Hudson-Odoi was on good form before suffering a hamstring injuryCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Hakim Ziyech is yet to enjoy a long run in the team since joining from AjaxCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Olivier Giroud’s volley past Wolves is the team’s only goal from open play in their last three games.
And Lampard believes there is a chance both Ziyech and Hudson-Odoi can make the weekend match with West Ham.
He told reporters: “Hakim and Callum will hopefully be training by the end of the week.
“Whether they’re fit for West Ham I’m not sure.”
Both wingers are struggling with hamstring issues and had been expected to be out until Christmas.
Chelsea are battling to save their title challenge after consecutive defeats in the league.
Tuesday’s 2-1 defeat at Wolves, after a late comeback by the Molineux club, followed the weekend’s narrow loss at Everton.
Christian Pulisic was able to return to the side last night after a short spell on the sidelines.
But it was new signings Kai Havertz and Timo Werner who came in for criticism as the German pair yet again blanked in front of goal.
Amazon Prime pundit Paul Scholes outlined one issue in the midfield that could cost Chelsea the title this year.
He said: “I think there is a lack of creativity in the middle of the pitch.
“[N’Golo] Kante, you know what he’s going to do, but the two next to him are young – [Mason] Mount and Havertz.
“They will be fantastic but I think that’s why they won’t win the league this year. They’re not quite ready.”
And ex-Chelsea star Joe Cole backed Werner to re-find his form after going eight games without a goal.
He added: “I think [Werner] just needs to brush up on his finishing, but he’s a young striker and he will do that.
“So I’ve got no doubts he’ll be a top player for Chelsea, but there are options now and Lampard needs to move it around.
“Ziyech and Hudson-Odoi [are there] to come back in, freshen it up at some point. Take Werner out, bring him back in.”
Chelsea host West Ham on Monday night having slipped to fifth in the table.
But results going against the Blues ahead of the London derby could even see them drop to 12th by the time they kick off.
⚽ Read our Chelsea live blog for the very latest news from the Bridge
Frank Lampard says Chelsea have dropped the Premier League standards in their last games
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
