Frank Lampard has given an update on the fitness of Ross Barkley, who limped off after 43 minutes against Newcastle today.
The Chelsea manager revealed to the club’s official website:
“Ross turned his ankle and it looks a bit nasty at first glance but the doctor wants to have a look tomorrow.’”
It sounds more like a sprain that anything else, likely a week or two at most out of action, depending how bad it is. That’s a blow to the squad depth at the games come thick and fast, but at least he made it through 43 minutes, giving Mateo Kovacic a little rest.
In all honesty, it’s not too much of a concern. Kovacic did well replacing Barkley, and N’Golo Kante should be fit for next weekend, if not Wednesday night against Ajax. Mason Mount has been playing in the midfield 3 as well, although not too well today.
Long term, there’s Ruben Loftus-Cheek to return too. This is one position Chelsea are deep in, and we can afford the loss of Barkley for now.
