Three players with a serious fight on their hands for first team starts

Andreas Christensen, Ross Barkley and Marcos Alonso have all been first choice at some point for Frank Lampard this season, but all three now face a very tricky battle to get back into the starting XI.

Christensen and Barkley both picked up injuries while in the middle of a battle for their place, handing Kurt Zouma and Mason Mount the chance to make their positions their own. Both of those replacements have done well, leaving the former two, now recovering, out in the cold.

Alonso’s case was a little different. He initially benefited from an injury to Emerson back in the Autumn, but following the Italian’s return and a shocking first half against Ajax, the Spaniard looks set to be confined to the bench for some time now.

Christensen and Alonso can at least comfortably say they are the first reserve in their respective positions. Barkley has several players ahead of him, and faces a serious challenge to be a regular anytime soon.

But none of this trio should give up. Lampard has shown us time and again that he’s willing to give anyone a chance.

Chelsea News