Former Chelsea striker Carlton Cole believes it would be better for Frank Lampard if the club's transfer ban remained in place for the January transfer window.
The Blues are hoping that their FIFA-imposed sanction is overturned by the CAS, which would allow Lampard to venture into the market in the New Year to bolster his side.
After his arrival at Stamford Bridge in the summer, Lampard was unable to put his own imprint in the squad with new additions, instead turning to the youngsters at his disposal.
While Lampard may be keen on spending money in January, Cole believes that it could be more beneficial for the club icon if he was unable to do so.
“If the ban is lifted and that gives them an unfair advantage to the other teams then I don’t think that’s right. They need to serve the correct time for the judgement," he told 888Sport.
"Having said that, whether they are allowed to buy or not I don’t think it will make a big difference to them or Lamps.
"He has got the team playing the way he wants and the players are playing for him.
"It would be better for him if he’s not allowed to buy in the window. Then if things do fall short for him he’s still got that cushion to say ‘I wasn’t able to buy’.
"Also when you look at the Premier League it’s really hard to buy someone in the January window who could come in and make a massive difference. Unless you spend big money and I don’t think that’s their priority.
"They need to stay getting the team on the same page.
"Their defence definitely needs shoring up even if they have improved over the last few weeks. Defence is a very big issue for them and that needs sorting out.
"But I would definitely wait until the summer."
