Frank Lampard Says Chelsea Have Missed 'Quality Player' Christian Pulisic
Feb 3, 2020
LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 10: Christian Pulisic of Chelsea during the UEFA Champions League group H match between Chelsea FC and Lille OSC at Stamford Bridge on December 10, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Visionhaus)
Frank Lampard has said Chelsea are hoping to have Christian Pulisic back in action after the Premier League's winter break.
The American has been out since New Year's Day with a thigh injury, but the Blues don't play again until they face Manchester United on February 17, so he may have enough time to recover.
"It is hard to answer [on when he will be back]. We tried to get him out this week and step it up a little bit but we had to pull out of that. So the break might have come at a good time because it buys us a couple of weeks.
"I won't have an answer till we're back training. Yes, [we miss him] because he's a quality player and was having a really good patch pre-Christmas. But others have to stand up, too. But, of course, we'll be happy to have him back."
Pulisic arrived in the summer from Borussia Dortmund. The 21-year-old has made 23 appearances for Chelsea, contributing six goals and as many assists.
The forward has not had a direct hand in a goal since November, but he has nevertheless been an important player for the Blues in the final third.
Football analyst Michael Caley suggested Pulisic's absence was keenly felt in their 2-2 draw at Leicester City on Saturday:
The Athletic's Liam Twomey was not impressed with what he saw from Chelsea's attack against the Foxes, either:
It’s not just the finishing. It’s the pass before the finish - sometimes slightly behind the man, sometimes slightly in front, never arriving in stride #LEICHE
Pulisic's injury has kept him out of their last four Premier League games. In their last three—a 1-0 defeat at Newcastle United and back-to-back 2-2 draws with Arsenal and Leicester—Chelsea have not scored a goal via a forward player.
Midfielder Jorginho—via a penalty—and full-back Cesar Azpilicueta scored against the Gunners, while both goals at the King Power Stadium were from centre-back Antonio Rudiger.
Even if he's not making direct goal contributions, Pulisic's ability to run at defenders and beat them with a quick turn of pace creates space and opportunities for his team-mates.
Chelsea are on a three-match winless run in the Premier League, and they've not beaten United in their last five encounters.
Antonio Rudiger Brace Sees Chelsea Earn Draw at Leicester in Premier League
Feb 1, 2020
Chelsea's German defender Antonio Rudiger (C) celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the English Premier League football match between Leicester City and Chelsea at King Power Stadium in Leicester, central England on February 1, 2020. (Photo by Adrian DENNIS / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Two Antonio Rudiger headers were enough to see Chelsea earn a 2-2 draw at Leicester City in the Premier League on Saturday.
Following a goalless first period, the match burst into life early in the second half. Rudiger headed Chelsea in front in the 46th minute. Harvey Barnes' deflected strike looped over Willy Caballero seven minutes later to level the scores.
Leicester then moved ahead through Ben Chilwell in the 64th minute, although Rudiger was able to restore parity with a little under 20 minutes remaining with another fantastic effort.
After this result early in Week 25, the chasing pack will be out to close the gap in the race for fourth. Manchester United and Wolverhampton Wanderers are both seven points behind Chelsea and face off at Old Trafford later on Saturday. Tottenham Hotspur, who trail by the same amount, host Manchester City on Sunday.
The big news from the respective team selections was Kepa Arrizabalaga's absence from the Chelsea starting XI, with Willy Caballero preferred to the world's most expensive goalkeeper.
Spanish football journalist Alvaro Romeo reflected on a bold decision from Blues boss Frank Lampard:
Blow for Kepa. On the bench today.
This is the toughest moment of his career as he has been set aside purely for performance reasons. Not for contractual reasons, as it happened in 2018 at Athletic, neither for discipline reasons, as it happened after the Carabao Cup final.
Although there were no goals in the first period, both teams had a number of decent opportunities.
Chelsea were on top early on, with right-back Reece James running riot down the right flank. Scouted Football commented on the consistency with which the defender was able to produce high-class crosses:
Reece James' deliveries into the penalty area are outstanding; he's so good and consistent at hitting dangerous spaces. Pure technique.
Unfortunately for him, the forwards were unable to make the most of the pinpoint service.
At the other end, Leicester's best opportunity came after Jamie Vardy capitalised on a mistake from the Chelsea defence and scampered through on goal. Caballero stood tall, though, and made a crucial stop to ensure parity at the break
After half-time, it didn't take long for the deadlock to be broken, with Chelsea getting the goal they deserved for their first-half performance.
Rudiger leaped highest in the penalty area and had a simple task to head in Mason Mount's corner:
Chelsea finally take a chance!
Hesistation from Schmeichel and Rudiger rises highest to head home 👊
Conceding sparked Leicester into life, as they quickly went on the attack in search of an equaliser. They didn't have to wait long for it. After some slick exchanges between James Maddison and Youri Tielemans, Barnes darted infield from the left flank and watched his shot flick off Andreas Christensen over the stranded Caballero:
3️⃣ Premier League goals in as many games for Harvey Barnes...
With the fans up, Leicester continued to grow into the game. Chelsea, meanwhile, were suddenly unable to get a grip of the ball in midfield. Unsurprisingly, the Foxes went ahead through another well-worked goal.
Chilwell's overhit cross was sent back into the penalty area by Tielemans, and the left-back was on hand to put his side ahead.
But as Chelsea had done earlier in the game, Leicester switched off defensively. In the 71st minute, they gave Rudiger too much space in the area, as he rose brilliantly to guide a looping header past Kasper Schmeichel from a set piece.
As the Premier League Twitter account highlighted, it's been a long time since a defender netted twice in a game for the Blues:
At this stage, chances to counter were coming frequently for both sides, as they each sensed a winner was up for grabs.
The best opportunity before full time fell to Barnes, who was released on goal by Jamie Vardy. He was unable to finish, though, somehow sending his shot wide under minimal pressure.
What's Next?
Chelsea are not in action again until February 17, when they host United in what will be a crunch encounter.Leicester are set to visit Wolves on February 14 in another vital showdown in the top-four picture.
Frank Lampard: Chelsea 'Underdogs' in Top-4 Battle After January Transfer Window
Feb 1, 2020
HULL, ENGLAND - JANUARY 25: Frank Lampard the head coach / manager of Chelsea during the Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round match between Hull City and Chelsea at KCOM Stadium on January 25, 2020 in Hull, England. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
Chelsea manager Frank Lampard has said the club's inactivity in the January transfer window makes them "underdogs" in the race for a top-four spot in the Premier League this season.
The Blues were unable to make any major additions to their squad in the window, that despite the transfer ban they were set to serve being lifted earlier in the campaign.
It means Lampard will have the same squad for the second half of 2019-20 as the Blues seek to consolidate fourth place and secure UEFA Champions League football.
The Chelsea manager thinks the lack of January action will put the team on the back foot in that battle, per Nizaar Kinsella of Goal:
"Manchester United obviously [signed] a big, big player, a world-class player, in my opinion. The teams around us, Sheffield United making fantastic signings, Chris Wilder's job is incredible because he's had years to work that group and now they're adding where he sees fit.
"Tottenham have signed a few and they're not far behind us. And not only have they signed a few, but a couple of players have left were obviously—not being too crude about it—the situation was they were towards the end of their contracts and maybe weren't happy being at the club any more.
" ... Now what remains to be seen will be seen and from my view—and this is not to talk down ourselves because we're six points clear in fourth—now we become probably the underdogs and the outsiders to some point because the teams around us have strengthened. It's a fact."
Here is more of what Lampard had to say about transfers ahead of the team's clash with Leicester City in the Premier League on Saturday:
According to Kinsella, Chelsea were intent on adding a centre-forward to their squad in January, with Paris Saint-Germain's Edinson Cavani and Napoli star Dries Mertens linked. Olivier Giroud was also linked with an exit throughout the window, but he has stayed at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea would have clearly benefitted from another body in attack, with the team leaning heavily on Tammy Abraham for goals so far this term.
Kristof Terreur of Het Laatste Nieuws noted the complications a number of teams ran into trying to sign forwards in January:
How many short-term fix strikers were available in this window? Edinson Cavani was in advanced talks with Atlético and had high demands. Napoli were unwilling to sell Dries Mertens. Nobody seemed convinced about Piatek. Olivier Giroud was 3rd choice at Chelsea...
As Lampard noted, Chelsea have some daylight between themselves, Manchester United, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Tottenham Hotspur in the race for fourth spot. However, a loss to Leicester in the early game on Saturday would give the chasing pack a chance to close in.
It will be interesting to see how Chelsea rotate their forwards for the remainder of the campaign. Abraham's workload will need to be managed, as the Blues remain in contention for the Champions League and FA Cup in 2019-20.
Frank Lampard Talks Olivier Giroud, Dries Mertens Rumours: 'No Ins and No Outs'
Jan 31, 2020
LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 30: Olivier Giroud of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and West Ham United at Stamford Bridge on November 30, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by James Williamson - AMA/Getty Images)
Chelsea boss Frank Lampard has revealed the club will not be signing Napoli's Dries Mertens or parting with Olivier Giroud before the transfer window shuts on Friday.
According to Simon Jones and Adrian Kajumba of MailOnline, the Blues had a bid turned down for Mertens, while Giroud has been linked with Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Inter Milan and Lazio, per Football.London.
When questioned on the possibility of Giroud leaving on Friday, Lampard said, per Football.London'sOliver Harbord: "No. He has been incredible as a player and a man during this time. Will he leave? No. He trained today. No ins and no outs."
He also said "no" to Mertens' potential arrival and added: "The window is 95 per cent shut for us. The answer is probably no for the players you would ask about."
Mertens is in the final six months of his contract at Napoli, for whom he has scored 118 goals in 304 games, as well as providing 71 assists.
The 32-year-old hasn't scored a league goal since September, but he found the net five times in the UEFA Champions League group stage, including in both of the Partenopei's matches with Liverpool.
Chelsea have been linked with goalscorers following an ankle injury to Tammy Abraham, who has netted 15 times this season but only twice in his past nine league matches.
On Abraham's fitness ahead of Chelsea's clash with Leicester City on Saturday, Lampard said: "He trained today, and he has felt OK. We will test him in the morning. But it was a positive."
Whether he manages to feature against the Foxes or not, it seems Abraham is not a long-term absentee, so Chelsea will still be able to rely on him for the remainder of the campaign.
The Blues only have Giroud and Michy Batshuayi as back-up, but seeing as the former has only been used for 282 minutes this season, they would likely have been safe parting with him. The 33-year-old would have been a squad player at Inter or Lazio, but he would have been a regular starter for Spurs—who will be without Harry Kane until April—Newcastle or Villa.
Unless his circumstances change dramatically, remaining at Stamford Bridge will be a significant blow to his chances of earning a place in France's UEFA Euro 2020 squad. Given his age, that is likely to be his last international tournament.
Leicester City vs. Chelsea: Odds, Live Stream, TV Schedule and Preview
Jan 31, 2020
LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 21: Cesar Azpilicueta of Chelsea is congratulated by team mate Mason Mount after scoring his team's second goal during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Arsenal FC at Stamford Bridge on January 21, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
The Premier League weekend kicks off with what should be a thrilling contest on Saturday, with Leicester City hosting Chelsea at the King Power Stadium.
The Foxes are sat in third place in the table, having enjoyed a fantastic campaign under the stewardship of Brendan Rodgers. However, their form has become a little more inconsistent of late, and they will be reeling after their late loss to Aston Villa in the Carabao Cup semi-final on Tuesday.
Chelsea have also endured a frustrating spell, with their previous league outing being a 2-2 draw at home to Arsenal. They've had some big wins away from home this season, though, and they can move to within five points of Leicester with a win.
Here are the latest odds and all the key viewing details for the contest.
After rapid starts to the campaign, both teams have had some wobbles in recent weeks. Nevertheless, they remain in the Premier League's top four and can consolidate their place with a victory on Saturday.
Rodgers has brought the best out of a number of key players at the club, but he will face a big task lifting the players for this fixture after their Carabao Cup exit in midweek.
The semi-final against Villa appeared to be heading for a penalty shootout after Kelechi Iheanacho's equaliser, but Trezeguet struck in injury time for the hosts:
Inconsistency has crept into Leicester's play of late. In the Premier League, they've won three and lost four of their last seven matches, and it feels like they require a win against a high-calibre team to kick-start their season again.
Chelsea are in a similar position, after meshing brilliant performances with frustrating ones this season.
In the previous league outing, they had a good chance to turn over Arsenal after former Chelsea defender David Luiz was sent off. However, despite taking the lead in the game twice, the Blues were unable to get the three points over the line:
Head coach Frank Lampard will want his side to be better in both penalty areas when it comes to closing matches out. Chelsea's defending has been slack of late, with the team lacking an authoritative presence at their base, and they haven't been ruthless with goalscoring opportunities.
They've had some impressive results away from home, though, after winning at Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal already this term. The space Leicester will afford the Blues to counter-attack into should mean the visitors get chances on Saturday.
Leicester should be able to welcome Jamie Vardy back into the XI following his recent injury layoff and his searing speed will cause Chelsea problems. His presence should be enough to earn the Foxes a draw in what should be an entertaining game.
Prediction: Leicester City 2-2 Chelsea
Report: Chelsea, Napoli in 'Ongoing Conversations' over Dries Mertens Transfer
Jan 29, 2020
REGGIO NELL'EMILIA, ITALY - DECEMBER 22: Dries Mertens of SSC Napoli shows his dejection during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo and SSC Napoli at Mapei Stadium - Citta del Tricolore on December 22, 2019 in Reggio nell'Emilia, Italy (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Chelsea will reportedly try to sign Napoli forward Dries Mertens before the January transfer window closes.
According to Gianluca Di Marzio, the Blues "are serious" about landing the Belgium international, and "there are ongoing conversations with Napoli to understand if there are the margins for a deal."
In the report, it's added Chelsea would find it easier to offload Olivier Giroud if the Napoli man were to arrive. The France striker has fallen out of favour under manager Frank Lampard this season and is said to be a target for Tottenham Hotspur.
Mertens only has six months remaining on his Napoli contract, and it means he could feasibly agree a pre-contract with a club overseas, with a view to moving for free in the summer. However, the Blues appear keen to bring him aboard in this window to strengthen their options at the point of the attack.
Although he's 32, Mertens would be a savvy acquisition for Chelsea. He's been one of the most exciting and effective forwards in Serie A, excelling in a number of different roles under different coaches.
His best form has come when leading the line, where he can mesh his smart movement, speed in behind and composed finishing. In the three campaigns before the current one, the former PSV Eindhoven man grabbed 62 goals in the Italian top flight.
In 2019-20, Mertens only has four, with injury issues and Napoli's poor overall form combining to make for a campaign to forget. The Partenopei star has been out of action since December 22 with an adductor problem.
A move to Chelsea would potentially kick Mertens' campaign back into life when he's fully fit, and for Lampard he'd be a major asset. Not only does Mertens' versatility mean he can line up at the point of the attack or on either flank, but his experience would be beneficial in a squad that's bristling with young players.
It would be a blow to Napoli to lose a player who has developed into a talisman for the club in recent years. However, with his contract running down, if the Blues were to make a serious offer before the window shuts, surely Napoliwould need to consider cashing in.
Fikayo Tomori's Goal Helps Chelsea Fend off Hull City 2-1 in FA Cup Clash
Jan 25, 2020
HULL, ENGLAND - JANUARY 25: Fikayo Tomori of Chelsea celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the FA Cup Fourth Round match between Hull City FC and Chelsea FC at KCOM Stadium on January 25, 2020 in Hull, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
Chelsea are into the fifth round of the 2020 FA Cup after beating Hull City 2-1 on Saturday thanks to goals from Michy Batshuayi and Fikayo Tomori at the KCOM Stadium.
Tomori's second-half goal proved to be the winner, but Chelsea endured a scare when substitute Kamil Grosicki scored from a disputed free-kick in the 78th minute via a deflection off Mateo Kovacic.
Victory means Chelsea stay in the hunt to lift the trophy for the second time in three seasons. It also ends a two-game run without a win for Frank Lampard's team.
Chelsea needed an early nerve-settler after intense initial pressure from the hosts. It duly came in the sixth minute when Batshuayi's effort took a deflection after the striker had reacted quickest in the box.
Batshuayi doesn't start regularly, but the Belgium international is prolific in cup competitions:
18 - Michy Batshuayi has been directly involved in 18 goals in his 18 domestic cup starts (FA Cup and League Cup) for Chelsea and Crystal Palace combined, scoring 15 and assisting three. Underrated? #EmiratesFACup#HULCHEpic.twitter.com/88EAUf4SAF
Buoyed by the early goal, Chelsea turned on the style against a wide-open Hull defence. Mason Mount slid an inch-perfect pass to meet Ross Barkley's well-timed run, but the latter saw his effort saved by George Long.
The pace and intricacy of the move summed up how effectively the Blues were shifting the ball. Callum Hudson-Odoi was switching play from the right with accurate long passes, and left-back Marcos Alonso had plenty of room on the overlap. Kovacic also wasn't wasting his passes at the heart of the engine room.
The Croatian was also combining well with the lively Mount, whose change of pace was making him difficult for Hull to track between the midfield and forward lines. However, the 21-year-old playmaker was guilty of a touch of greed after he opted against teeing up Batshuayi for a tap-in after Kovacic had played him in, instead shooting straight at Long.
Hull's prolific double act Jarrod Bowen and Tom Eaves, who have 20 league goals between them this season, weren't seeing enough of the ball. Eaves did well to get a shot off on the turn three minutes before the break, but the effort lacked power and was easy for Willy Caballero to collect.
Bowen was beginning to get more involved, using skill and running power to go through the Chelsea defence more than once. However, the 23-year-old often chose to shoot rather than playing in a team-mate:
Jarrod Bowen fired in more shots and attempted more dribbles (four of each) than any other player in the first half.
Hull kept the pressure on after the break, with Bowen still at the forefront. A few more impressive breaks from deep nearly yielded an equaliser, but it was the visitors who thought they had killed the game off on 64 minutes, when Barkley lifted a free-kick onto the head of Tomori at the back post.
Barkley and Pedro then combined for the next chance, with the latter chipping just wide after meeting a fine pass from midfield.
The game appeared beyond Hull until Grosicki's free-kick took a significant deflection off Kovacic and beat Caballero, although there was some dispute about the foul after Alonso had challenged Grosicki's fellow sub Josh Magennis.
Grosicki's pace on the flank kept Hull's threat alive in the final minutes. Meanwhile, Magennis was bullying defenders in the air and providing an obvious focal point for the home side.
It wasn't enough, though, with Chelsea doing enough to hold on during tense closing stages.
What's Next?
Chelsea are away to Leicester City when fourth meets third in Premier League action on Saturday. Hull will host Huddersfield Town on Tuesday in the Championship.
Frank Lampard: Kepa's Chelsea Form 'Needs to Improve' Following Recent Mistakes
Jan 25, 2020
LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 21: Kepa Arrizabalaga of Chelsea reacts after conceding a second goal during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Arsenal FC at Stamford Bridge on January 21, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Harriet Lander/Copa/Getty Images)
Chelsea manager Frank Lampard has said his goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga must improve his form following a string of costly mistakes.
The Blues parted with a world-record fee of £72 million for a goalkeeper when they signed Kepa from Athletic Bilbao in the summer of 2018, with the Spaniard stepping into the position left by Thibaut Courtois.
Kepa enjoyed a solid debut season at the club, helping Chelsea win the UEFA Europa League and finish third in the Premier League. However, his performances have come in for increased scrutiny as of late, with blunders against Newcastle United and Arsenal resulting in opposition goals.
Speaking ahead of his team's clash with Hull City in the FA Cup on Saturday, Lampard made it clear he wants to see better performances from the goalkeeper, per Adrian Kajumba of the Daily Mail:
"Well he will have to deal with that [criticism]. That is what football is, every player no matter how great you are in your career. The absolute best of all time will get criticised and you have to deal with it. Goalkeepers, maybe slightly more spotlight on them, but it is a similar thing, really.
"This is not just Kepa, any player. If you feel in a lack of form, fight to get it back. Go back to basics. He'll be honest that there have been some mistakes that have cost us goals. It is the nature of it, so that needs to improve."
According to B/R Football's Dean Jones, the London club are already considering cashing in on the 25-year-old:
Am told Chelsea continuing to weigh up idea of selling Kepa in the summer. Scouts working on potential replacements. Nick Pope mentioned at early stage. Won’t affect other transfer plans as they’ll use cash from Kepa sale, if they go through with it
In Kajumba's report, it's added that Chelsea's cup goalkeeper Willy Caballero will play against Hull on Saturday.
Kepa arrived at Chelsea with a huge reputation, although the positive feeling towards him has started to seep away.
Blues fans were unhappy with his efforts to save Isaac Hayden's header in the 1-0 loss to Newcastle United, while others were critical of his attempt to stop Hector Bellerin's late equaliser in the 2-2 draw with Arsenal on Tuesday.
Former Sunderland goalkeeper David Preece said it would be unfair to criticise the Spain star for the latter:
Sorry, but Kepa wasn’t at fault for Bellerin’s equalizer last night. Tammy Abraham allowing him to come inside and Antonio Rudiger with his hands behind his back and unable to react are far more culpable if you’re looking for blame. Otherwise it’s a great finish. pic.twitter.com/jrxLChoJ1v
Nevertheless, Kajumba noted that Kepa has the worst save percentage in the Premier League. Squawka Football observed that he's struggled to keep out shots from distance, too:
No goalkeeper has conceded more goals from outside of the box in the Premier League this season than Kepa Arrizabalaga (6).
Kepa has shown for Chelsea, Athletic and Spain that he's capable of making world-class stops, while technically he has all the tools to be an elite goalkeeper. However, he needs to improve his consistency and concentration.
Caballero is unlikely to oust Kepa from the starting lineup at Chelsea, but Lampard will be watching the latter's displays carefully between now and the end of the campaign with a view to making a big decision in the summer.
Frank Lampard Gives Tammy Abraham Injury Update, Talks Chelsea's Striker Search
Jan 24, 2020
Chelsea's English head coach Frank Lampard gestures from the touchline during the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Arsenal at Stamford Bridge in London on January 21, 2020. (Photo by Ben STANSALL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by BEN STANSALL/AFP via Getty Images)
Cheslea boss Frank Lampard has confirmed Tammy Abraham has not fractured his ankle but revealed the club is searching for a striker in the January transfer window.
As former footballer and sports writer Warren Haughton observed, Abraham was injured in the Blues' 2-2 draw with Arsenal on Tuesday:
Abraham momentum takes him off pitch, crashes into barriers. He plants feet/studs onto 4G turf after touch line to avoid barrier. No chance. Why on earth do clubs allow this to happen? He would be able to slow down if he was on grass. #CFC
Per Goal's Chris Burton, Lampard said of the injury in his Friday press conference: "The good news is he hasn't fractured anything. That is the good news, but we still don't know the full extent. It's not clear at the moment."
The manager confirmed Abraham would not face Hull City in the FA Cup fourth round on Saturday, but he did not know whether he might feature against Leicester City on February 1, per The Athletic's Liam Twomey.
Abraham has been the Blues' biggest attacking threat this season, notching 15 goals and six assists in 31 matches, so a long-term injury would be a major concern for the Blues.
Chelsea could still do with more firepower even if the 22-year-old is only out for the short term, though. Abraham has scored just twice in his last nine Premier League appearances, but Lampard doesn't have too many alternatives.
His first-choice back-up, Michy Batshuayi, has not scored since October, while Olivier Giroud's only goal of the campaign came in August.
On the Blues' search for another forward, Lampard said:
Lampard on Giroud or signing a striker: "I think the impetus to get in a striker or someone to get in on the end of those chances is there. When you struggle to create that's one problem but we are creating 20 chances a game." "Olivier is in the same position." #CFC
Lampard on making new signings: "I think there is choice. It is not the ideal window. I think hisotry has proved that though there have been good acquisitions in the short term and long term. It is about getting it right. The club know my thoughts on it." #CFC
Chelsea brought in Gonzalo Higuain on loan last January, but he managed to score just five times in his 18 appearances for the club.
The Blues' last major striking acquisition was Alvaro Morata, but he struggled to settle at Stamford Bridge and was loaned to Atletico Madrid in the same window of Higuain's arrival after scoring 24 goals in 72 games for the club.
If Chelsea don't manage to recruit another goalscorer in January, Lampard's best option could be to make more use of Giroud in the back half of the campaign. The Frenchman has made just seven appearances in all competitions this season, most recently in November, so he's not had much chance to show what he can do.
At 33, he's likely to be a little rusty having not played much, but he offered up 13 goals and 10 assists last season despite starting just 21 games, and he will be fighting for a place in Didier Deschamps' France squad for UEFA Euro 2020.
Frank Lampard: Chelsea Looking at Strikers Amid Tammy Abraham Injury Concern
Jan 22, 2020
Chelsea's English head coach Frank Lampard gestures from the touchline during the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Arsenal at Stamford Bridge in London on January 21, 2020. (Photo by Ben STANSALL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by BEN STANSALL/AFP via Getty Images)
Chelsea manager Frank Lampard has said the Blues are looking at strikers amid concerns Tammy Abraham's ankle injury could keep him out for some time.
Per BBC Sport, Lampard didn't make a secret of his desire for attacking help before Abraham hurt his ankle in the 2-2 draw against Arsenal. The team's lack of clinical edge in front of goal was once again an issue for him: "You can't say we will definitely sign a striker but we are looking. If you don't score enough goals then you won't win enough games."
Discussing Abraham's injury, Lampard said he does have the players necessary to deal with his absence:
"I hope he's not (out for several weeks), but then if he is then yes, we do have the players to cope. But we can't finish.
"We get into the box and we could have had three or four goals today. We are having shots, having crosses and lots of 'ooh' moments for the crowd.
"But we have to be clinical. Do we need to put the ball in the back of the net more? Yes. That's clear. Our chance conversion is one of the worst in the league."
Abraham completed the 90 minutes against the Gunners but required assistance to leave the pitch afterward, per Goal's Nizaar Kinsella:
The Blues twice gave away a lead despite playing for over an hour with a man-advantage following David Luiz's red card. Hector Bellerin netted a late equaliser that earned the visitors a point.
Chelsea have just one win in their last four Premier League outings. While they have the fourth-best scoring record in the division, they chase the top three by seven or more goals. Manchester City have an incredible 24-goal advantage over the Blues―65 against 41 goals scored.
Abraham has been the main source for those goals with 13 so far. Christian Pulisic and Mason Mount are tied for second place with five each.
Losing the 22-year-old for an extended time would be a blow. Michy Batshuayi and Olivier Giroud are the most logical replacements, but they have barely played this season and combined for just a single Premier League goal.
That has led to links with Paris Saint-Germain star Edinson Cavani, per the Telegraph's Matt Law:
PSG waiting by the phone as Lampard's desperation for a new striker increases. Chelsea may have to pay big for Cavani #cfchttps://t.co/b7wwWpuMGz
Paul Merson believes the Blues should pull the trigger, per Chelsea blogger Simon Phillips:
"When a player of that class comes up, for me I think it's an absolute must.
“You can get Cavani in to teach Abraham, someone big & strong who holds the ball up, put the ball in the box, he will put his head in there. It is a no brainer.”
Cavani has tumbled down the pecking order at PSG since the arrival of Mauro Icardi in the summer. The 32-year-old has started just four Ligue 1 matches this season, and none in the UEFA Champions League.
He has a stellar scoring record, netting 18 goals in just 21 Ligue 1 appearances last season. Considering his lack of minutes, a January move seems possible, providing the Blues are willing to meet PSG's valuation.
