Chelsea get under way at Brighton this evening, but there was no Christian Pulisic in the squad and Cesar Azpilicueta was only on the bench.
Both players were regulars for Frank Lampard towards the end of last season, however were not in his team for the opening game of the 2020/21 campaign.
However, Azpilicueta and Pulisic both suffered hamstring injuries in the FA Cup final defeat to Arsenal on August 1.
The pair were able to take part in some training this week in the build-up to the game, however Lampard confirmed the American suffered an injury set-back.
“I am very happy to have them both back,” Lampard said in his pre-match press conference. "They both trained since yesterday, their first day fully training with the team. They are in contention for Monday.
“I have to be careful. I have a squad to pick from, but the way they are training and the attitude they have come back with looks like they are over those injuries.
“I will just have to make sure I manage them back in in their own ways.”
The Blues have a packed schedule throughout the campaign, with the fixtures coming thick and fast for Lampard’s side.
And the Blues boss was not ready to risk players, with the big match of Liverpool at Stamford Bridge next Sunday.
