Chelsea’s midfield has been dealt with another blow after Billy Gilmour was ruled out for the rest of the season due to a knee injury.
The 19 year old came off with 10 minutes to go after starting his side’s 3-2 away win at Crystal Palace on Tuesday.
Along with Gilmour, N’Golo Kante and Mateo Kovacic are expected to miss this weekend’s clash with Sheffield United.
With all the players suffering minor hamstring and Achilles problems respectively.
Chelsea still have a host of options in midfield with Jorginho likely to start away at Brammall Lane on Saturday.
Having been increasingly on the fringes of the squad following the restart of football season.
The Blues will then play three more league games, as well as Manchester United in the FA Cup tie.
While Chelsea also have their last-16 match away at Bayern Munich still to come in the Champions League.
There may be some hope that Gilmour can make it before the Champions League tie against Bayern.
But the 3-0 deficit from the home defeat makes it unlikely the west Londoners will progress to the next round.
Mason Mount, Ross Barkley and Ruben Loftus-Cheek all rank as more attacking options.
While Lampard has the option to move Reece James into the middle having seen him play that role on loan at Wigan.
The Blues have also called up a host of academy players to the first-team squad in these instances.
Just in case an injury crisis might hit, with Premier League clubs playing up to three matches every week.
Lewis Bate has been with Lampard and the first-team group since the return to training in early July and he could make the team list.
List Of Other Youngsters Involved In Lampard’s First-team Training In Recent Weeks Include:
- Armando Broja
- Henry Lawrence
- Tino Anjorin
- Tino Livramento
- Dynel Simeu
- Ian Maatsen
