Chelsea could be without three stars for season opener vs Brighton
According to The Express, Chelsea boss Frank Lampard could be without three of his stars for the curtain-raiser against Brighton and Hove Albion.
The Blues boss is sweating on the fitness of a few of his players, with the clash at the Amex less than a week away.
Lampard could be forced to make a number of last-minute decisions as fans eagerly wait for a new-look Chelsea side to take the field.
The Blues have enjoyed a spectacular transfer window. The club has brought in five first-teamers including Hakim Ziyech, Timo Werner, Ben Chilwell, Thiago Silva, and Kai Havertz.
While it remains to be seen who among these would play a role against Brighton, there is one man who looks set to miss out. That is Christian Pulisic, arguably our best player last season.
The American sensation went off with an injured hamstring in the FA Cup final against Arsenal. He looks set to miss the opener and could return to action as early as the end of the month.
One new signing who will definitely miss out is Chilwell. The English international has been nursing a heel injury that saw him miss the business end of last season for Leicester City.
The 23-year-old has been unable to take part in full team training and will have to wait to make his Blues debut.
The third player who is doubtful is yet another new signing – Ziyech. The Moroccon was taken off in our pre-season friendly against Brighton with a knee injury.
While his absence is set to be ascertained, it promises to be a close run.
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While the three absentees are key players, we have enough in our arsenal to see off the Seagulls.
Lampard has been backed to the hilt in the market. It is now his turn to show that the team can translate that optimism into on-field performances. Three points at the Amex will be a good place to start.