Hakim Ziyech could return for Chelsea against Manchester City to boost Frank Lampard after the Blues boss bemoaned the recent absence of the Moroccan winger.
Sunday’s game is in doubt given the Covid-19 outbreak in Pep Guardiola’s squad, which saw their game against Everton postponed.
But should it go ahead as planned, then Ziyech, who has been suffering with a hamstring injury suffered during the victory over Leeds United on 5 December, could make his return.
Without Ziyech, the Blues have won just one of their last five Premier League games, with a 1-1 draw last time out against Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge.
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“I think with Hakim, the way he was playing, he was being very effective for us in terms of assists, goal creation, chance creation and some goals,” Lampard said.
“We were very fluid at the time. You're going to miss players at that level when they drop out and we want him back.
“There's a possibility he could be fit for [Sunday’s game against] Manchester City if it goes ahead. He's close.”
And Lampard admits he is hopeful that Ziyech can play a part on Sunday, while there was also praise for Callum Hudson-Odoi, who was a rare bright spark in the dismal 3-1 defeat to Arsenal on Boxing Day, before a promising display against Villa two days later.
"The obvious next part is end product," Lampard said.
“When you look around at the numbers that the top wingers produced in the Premier League in recent years, Callum definitely has the capabilities and that will be the next stage for him.”
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