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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
ALEX YOUNG

Chelsea 'want NINE substitutes when Premier League returns' as Project Restart talks continue

Chelsea are reportedly pushing for an increase to nine substitutes for the remainder of the suspended Premier League season.

Top-flight action in England is set to return on June 17, marking 100 days since football was put on pause due to the coronavirus pandemic, with Project Restart getting approval last week.

According to various reports, Chelsea are pushing for an increase in size of the matchday squad from 18 players to 20 and, therefore, allowing two further players to sit on the bench and increase the options available to managers.

The Premier League were already set to discuss allowing the introduction of five players into a game, up from the usual three, and will also vote on Chelsea's proposal.

Chelsea are concerned by the long pause in competitive football, along with fitting nine games and up to three further FA Cup games into a seven-week schedule.

Frank Lampard's side are in the midst of a fierce battle to finish in the top four, with Manchester United sitting three points further back.

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