Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Football London
Football London
Sport
Andy Ha

The Chelsea suspension risk that gives Frank Lampard a selection headache for Man Utd clash

The mid-season break is almost over, and Chelsea have returned to training ahead of the huge clash against Manchester United at Stamford Bridge.

Frank Lampard's side are aiming to finish in the top four this season, and will want to extend their six point advantage over Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side.

Despite having relatively few injury problems to contend with ahead of the game, Chelsea do have one key player who is walking a suspension tightrope.

Any player who accumulates ten bookings before the cut-off point of 12 April 2020 will have to serve an automatic two-match ban.

This means Jorginho is at risk of suspension if he picks up a yellow card against United, having already been booked nine times this season.

If the Italy international is cautioned, he would then be suspended for Chelsea's next two league games - against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday 22 February; and Bournemouth the week after.

Mateo Kovacic is the next closest to a ban, with the Croatian on seven bookings.

Losing Jorginho for the clash against Spurs would be a huge blow, given the former Napoli midfielder has started Chelsea's last seven Premier League games in a row.

Tottenham could also be a point behind the Blues by the time the sides meet, if Chelsea lose to United and Jose Mourinho's men beat Aston Villa.

Lampard will be desperate to have all his players available, especially after Chelsea drew 2-2 with Leicester before the break to continue their indifferent form on the road.

A brace of headers from Antonio Rudiger cancelled out goals from Harvey Barnes and Ben Chilwell.

Speaking after the game, Lampard said he was pleased with the result, despite dropping two points.

“I think a fair point, on play," the Blues head coach told reporters.

"The first half I think we were the better team. I know they had some good chances, we gifted them a few, but I think our work off the ball and some of it on it was good.

"To play with that personality. But that second half they had the opportunity of course late in the game. I think it evened itself out. I am pleased with a point.”

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.