Following the draw against Aston Villa on Monday night, Frank Lampard gave his customary post-match press conference.
The Blues boss was asked about the many changes he made to his starting lineup – he reaffirmed his intentions to heavily rotate, irrespective of the team’s performance on Boxing Day. Lampard continued to mention that Reece James had a small hamstring injury leading up to the game, which explains his absence from the squad last night.
Reece James is already being carefully managed because of his lingering knee issue, and the news regarding his hamstring will leave Lampard slightly frustrated. Whether or not the game against Man City continues, the severity of Reece James’ hamstring injury will become clearer soon.
Lampard also spoke of Hakim Ziyech and stated that the Moroccan winger could be available for the match against Man City.
With the match being six days away, rather than 48 hours, Hakim Ziyech has a chance of making the substitutes bench against Man City. Without any further setbacks, it would not be a surprise if he even made an appearance. Regardless, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Christian Pulisic are more than likely to keep their places in the starting XI after their performances in our last two games. Hakim Ziyech’s return would be a welcome sight, nonetheless.
Hakim Ziyech‘s 2020/21 Premier League season so far:
5 starts
1 goal
3 assists
3x MOTMWe miss his creativity hugely. Can’t wait for his return. pic.twitter.com/uM5MWUZQNd
— LDN (@LDNFootbalI) December 28, 2020
Reece James is likely to be a game-time decision – but the severity of his hamstring injury is still unknown. The hope is that the break between matches will give him and the squad some much-needed rest.
You can watch the full post-match press conference here: