Chelsea have confirmed that they are working on plans to get supporters back in Stamford Bridge ahead of Leeds United's post-lockdown trip to the capital next month.
Marcelo Bielsa's side are due to take on the Blues on Saturday, December 5 which falls three days after the current national lockdown ends.
Boris Johnson yesterday confirmed that supporters will be allowed back in stadiums for regions that fall into Tier 1 or Tier 2 areas as he unveiled his government's winter plan to combat the ongoing coronavirus pandemic over the coming months.
Areas is Tier 1 will be allowed a maximum of 4,000 fans to attend, while in Tier 2 this drops down to 2,000. In Tier 3, the strictest set of rules, fans will still be locked out.
The government is set to inform areas which tier they will fall into on Thursday and if London avoids a Tier 3 classification, then a limited number of fans will be permitted to see Frank Lampard renew acquaintances with Bielsa.
Chelsea issued a statement on their website saying they welcome the move.
"While the current guidelines mean that we will not yet be able to return to full capacity at Stamford Bridge, the club continues to work on plans to accommodate as many fans as possible, as fairly as possible, and we appreciate supporter patience as we do so," they posted in a statement on their website.
"Chelsea FC also continues to support the Premier League as it works towards an agreement on a roadmap, with DCMS and the Sports Technology and Innovation Group, for pilot events that can help all Premier League clubs quickly scale up to larger capacities in line with the Sports Ground Safety Authority’s COVID-secure guidelines and beyond."
Chelsea's chairman Bruce Buck also added his backing to Monday's news.
"As I am sure our fans do as well, the Club welcomes this development and will continue to work with the Premier League and the DCMS on the safe return of fans to Stamford Bridge."
Leeds' last visit to Stamford Bridge came on the last day of the 2003-04 season, when the already-relegated Whites suffered a 1-0 defeat in front of 41,276 fans.
