There could be a shock Chelsea recall for Marcos Alonso this weekend.
The Spanish left-back is waiting in the wings and could replace Ben Chilwell who went off injured while playing for England against Belgium on Sunday.
Alonso has fallen down the pecking order this season under Frank Lampard and has played just three games for the Blues.
His last outing came at the end of September when he was hauled off at half time in the 3-3 draw at West Brom.
At the time, a shocking first half by the Blues saw them go 3-0 down inside the opening half hour and Alonso was one of three changes made by Lampard who was reportedly fuming in the dressing room at The Hawthorns.
The former Sunderland, Fiorentina, and Bolton Wanderers defender has not been seen in the Chelsea team since then and has been watching on from afar.
However, Chilwell's injury opens a door for Alonso as Chelsea prepare for their return to Premier League action at Newcastle United on Saturday lunchtime.
Following the clash with the Baggies, Lampard did not reveal what he really said to Alonso and his Chelsea teammates, but did admit some choice words were said.
The manager also said he could not hold any grudges against players and it was important for everyone to work together for the good of the club moving forward.
"I’m not going to disclose what goes on in the dressing room, I think that would be wrong, so that was it," Lampard said. "It was a game where we were disappointed to be 3-0 down at half-time, I had to make changes.
"And all I ask from all the players is that, for good or for bad, the players stick together in every moment. Because that’s the only thing that brings a successful group.
"So that’s as much as I’ve got to say on it and it doesn’t affect anything ongoing. I cannot have grudges or feelings in games that carry on.
"We work, we’re honest with each other, and we carry on working to get better and better.
"And things happen during the course of the season, they happen a lot."
