Here is your Chelsea morning digest for Wednesday, May 13.
Loftus-Cheek role in Lampard’s system analysed
Ruben Loftus-Cheek is edging closer to full fitness after missing a year of football with an achilles injury.
Loftus-Cheek, 24, has been stepping up his recovery during the recent suspension of football and could play a part in Chelsea’s push for a Champions League place once the Blues return to action.
The England midfielder is yet to play under Frank Lampard following the club legend’s appointment last summer, but the new boss has previously said he is looking forward to welcoming the player into the fold.
football London’s Oliver Harbord looks at how Loftus-Cheek can fit into Lampard’s system going forward.
Chelsea’s loan system in focus following rule changes and transfer uncertainty
Chelsea boss Frank Lampard is going to have to rely on his relationship with his staff to identify best of his current batch of players on loan, to see who is ready to make the jump to first team action.
With uncertainty over how the transfer market will look when football eventually resumes, and new rules from FIFA set to limit loan deals over the coming years, the Blues will need to work at finding the top talent already at the club and promote from within.
For Lampard, using the feedback from the loan staff, consisting of fellow ex-Blues Paulo Ferreira, Tore Andre Flo and Carlo Cudicini, is going to be crucial.
You can read more on Chelsea's loan system here.
Willian’s exit: winners and losers
Chelsea’s Brazilian winger Willian looks set to leave Stamford Bridge, ending a successful seven-year association with the club.
The 31-year-old is at loggerheads with Chelsea hierarchy over a new contract, with his current deal coming to an end this summer.
With a new agreement looking less and less likely, it seems that the club and player will part ways.
Naturally, losing such a key player will have knock-on effects and Oliver Harbord takes a look at who might benefit and who might suffer following his imminent departure.
