Frank Lampard has outlined his plan for Kai Havertz going into the rest of the season after a tough start.
The Germany international signed for Chelsea from Bayer Leverkusen for a club-record £72m fee.
Havertz has been touted as a generational talent in his homeland and Chelsea managed a real cup landing the midfielder.
But in his initial appearances, the 21-year-old has struggled.
On his debut against Brighton, he played on the wing but failed to make much of an impression.
And against Liverpool, the youngster was deployed as a striker, which also reaped no reward after being hauled off at half-time.
However, it is early days for the German and Lampard has insisted there is a plan in place.
"Kai has played various positions in career, as number nine, number eight and a number 10," Lampard said.
"He played lots off the right for Leverkusen and I have my own vision going forward.
"The key now is getting him fit. Kai, with the situation we are in we aren't in a position where we can wait. We need to get him fit, and it'll become very clear why he's here."
Chelsea will be looking to bounce back from their defeat to Liverpool on Sunday with a win over Barnsley in the Carabao Cup.
The Blues succumbed to a 2-0 loss after a Sadio Mane double, but Lampard will be rueing individual mistakes.
A red card for Andreas Christensen on the cusp of half-time made Chelsea's task tougher.
And after going a goal down, Kepa Arrizabalaga passed the ball straight to Mane while trying to play out from the back.
The Senegal striker then had the simple task of scoring in an empty net to further pile the pressure on the Chelsea keeper.
Edouard Mendy is set to arrive and Lampard revealed he should be available for selection against West Brom at the weekend.
The Blues boss said: “I don't know what benefits there are in the long run, football is in your hands.
“Competition is a regular thing. We have brought Mendy in for that competition. It's in everyone's hands to get into the squad.
“I think it is the hardest position, because of the individual nature of it.
"I have to be sympathetic to that point.
“Last year I changed a few times, it's a different thought process. We are always striving for the best performance.”
