Chelsea boss Frank Lampard has just been speaking to the press ahead of his sides Premier League clash against Everton at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
He welcomes his former manager Carlo Ancelotti back to the club but once the niceties are aside, both teams will be going all out for the all important three points.
Lampard has a number of injuries to contend with and it would be an understatement to say that he is down to the bare bones of his squad.
Chelsea could be without nine players this weekend.
— Nizaar Kinsella (@NizaarKinsella) March 6, 2020
The midfield area looks very light, with Mateo Kovacic confirmed out injured with a small achilles injury, Jorginho suspended, and of course N’Golo Kante still out injured.
Lampard on injuries: "Kovacic isn't fit. His Achilles injury takes him out for the weekend. Willian is a question mark, we will assess him ahead of Sunday." #CFC
— Nizaar Kinsella (@NizaarKinsella) March 6, 2020
With a question mark over Willian being fit to play as well, there might be little options left for the midfield area.
Lampard has two main options really, go with a 4-3-3 and play Reece James, who has experience playing there for Wigan, in a midfield pivot with Billy Gilmour, and Ross Barkley ahead of them. This allows Mason Mount to fill in as one of the only two wide options left with Pedro.
OR, he lines up in the 3-4-3 that he has been trying out with a flat four across the midfield of James, Gilmour, Barkley, and Alonso.
It will be a big decision for Lampard and one that will probably depend largely on the late fitness test for Willian.
