Harry Diamond
Frank Lampard has expressed his ‘relief’ over the extent of Christian Pulisic’s hamstring injury and has raised his concerns over Chelsea’s congested fixture list.
Pulisic withdrew from the Chelsea side for their 3-0 victory at Burnley last weekend after sustaining an injury in the warm-up at Turf Moor, with the US international now set for another spell on the sidelines after missing the start of the season.
The winger had only recently recovered from a hamstring problem that saw him substituted during last season’s FA Cup final, Pulisic’s continued fitness issues threatening to derail the star’s promising start to life in the Premier League.
Lampard has, however, provided an optimistic update on his latest issue and confirmed the 21-year-old has sustained a ‘minor injury to his hamstring’, though confirmed he will miss tomorrow night’s Champions League clash with Rennes at Stamford Bridge.
“Christian had a scan yesterday which showed a very minor injury to his hamstring. He won’t be fit for tomorrow, but we will see after that,” Lampard told his pre-match press conference.
“It’s obviously a relief for it to be on the small side. He’s an important player for us.
“Some players who play on the edge and have speed could be more susceptible. We are looking at ways to manage Christian. We are all working in the same direction. We know the talent.“
Lampard has also become the latest Premier League manager to express his concerns over the congested nature of the current campaign, with the likes of Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola and Manchester United’s Ole Gunnar Solskjaer having called for the reintroduction of the five-substitute ruling amid growing fears over player welfare.
Lampard admits he is concerned over an increase in the number of injuries to players and says he will have to carefully manage his squad ahead of a gruelling festive period.
“I think we are [worried], because I understand what no pre-season means as well. If it is short it can effect the start of the season, They are being thrust game into game.
“I have to balance the consistency of selection but to make sure the squad stay fit as they can. It’s something which has been spoken about.
“It’s not an excuse, just the reality. There are clear physical demands on the players.”
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