Frank Lampard fears for the fitness of his Chelsea squad
According to the Guardian, Chelsea manager Frank Lampard believes his side will find it hard to recover ahead of the 2020-21 campaign that begins on September 12.
The Blues finished the domestic season in the top four and still have a Champions League encounter to look forward to. The Blues face Bayern Munich in Germany in the second leg of their round of 16 clash this Saturday.
With us currently trailing 3-0 from the first leg, Chelsea will have to play out of their skins to overturn the deficit. Given the injuries to Cesar Azpilicueta, Christian Pulisic and Pedro, the task is all the more hard.
With our season potentially ending this weekend, the club is looking at 35 days for the players to recover before the next season begins. The period comfortably exceeds the 30-day minimum agreed between the Premier League and its clubs.
Provided Chelsea due pull off a miracle and progress, they will be entitled to begin their campaign at a later date.
“Even in a worst-case scenario that we don’t go through against Bayern, the 12th feels too early for me for the players to start playing again.”
Lampard believes the hectic schedule played a part in both Christian Pulisic and Cesar Azpilicueta pulling their hamstrings at Wembley last Saturday. He has implored the Premier League to reconsider their decision and give Chelsea what he deems is a fair start.
“I would like to think the Premier League would look seriously at that and hopefully give us a fair start next season.”
According to the report, Lampard is unlikely to get his wish. The agreement between the Premier League and the clubs was readied last month. It included a rider where clubs with European commitments were guaranteed 30 days of rest.
As per the terms, Chelsea will be treated on par with any other club with no exceptions. Although Lampard’s fears are understandable, complaining about it after agreeing to it earlier does not put him in good light.
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A number of our top stars are looking at a busy year ahead, with the European Championships scheduled for next summer. It will prove to be a test of Lampard’s squad handling skills as he looks to negotiate what is not an easy task.