Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Freddie Keighley

Hakim Ziyech gives Frank Lampard boost as he prepares to unleash new-look Chelsea attack

Hakim Ziyech marked his return from injury with an assist and an eye-catching display for Morocco in their 3-1 win over Senegal on Friday.

The 27-year-old winger came off the bench to feature in the final half-hour of the friendly and played a key part in the build-up as Morocco doubled their lead through Youssef En-Nesyri's 71st-minute goal.

Ziyech then grabbed an assist as his curling delivery from a free kick on the left was headed in by Youssef El Arabi, who beat Senegal's high line with his well-timed run.

Watford star Ismaila Sarr pulled one back from the penalty spot for the visitors in added time, though Ziyech had helped put the match out of their reach by that stage.

Ziyech has returned to fitness over the international break (2020 Chelsea FC)

Chelsea boss Frank Lampard will hope Ziyech's impressive display is a sign of things to come as he prepares to unveil a revitalised attack after the international break.

Ziyech arrived from Ajax for an initial fee of £33.3million but is yet to feature for the Blues after sustaining a knee injury in pre-season.

Before Chelsea's last match - the 4-0 win over Crystal Palace - Lampard said he was "not quite fit enough to be on the bench", after the Blues emerged from their first three games with one win, one draw and one defeat.

Ziyech's Chelsea debut was delayed after he suffered an injury in the pre-season match with Brighton (Getty Images)

Following a mixed start to the season, it seems likely Lampard will introduce Ziyech in the starting lineup in a bid to help Chelsea's attackers find their form.

Fellow new signings Timo Werner and Kai Havertz are still finding their feet, with both stars yet to find the back of the net in the Premier League.

The introduction of Ziyech as a creative force may unleash the duo's potential and Lampard may choose to field the former Ajax man on the right flank, with Christian Pulisic on the left, Werner up front and Havertz in the No.10 role.

Is Ziyech the missing piece Lampard's been needing to get Chelsea's attackers firing? Have your say here.

The arrival of Ziyech may give Werner the service he needs to find his goalscoring form (Shaun Brooks/Action Plus/REX/Shutterstock)

Ziyech's return to fitness is timely, as next Saturday Chelsea host a Southampton side full of confidence after registering back-to-back wins and clean sheets before the international break.

Lampard will be looking to the Moroccan to make an impact on his debut by unlocking the Saints.

Sign up to the Mirror Football email here for the latest news and transfer gossip.

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.