Frank Lampard has hit back at a suggestion that his methods could be a factor in Chelsea’s injury problems.
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But several key players have suffered injuries this season and Lampard was asked at a press conference on Monday about possible suggestions that training or the team’s style of play could be contributory factors or that the club’s medical department might to be blame.
“I haven’t seen that and I wouldn’t label it on any one department,” was Lampard’s blunt response.
Injuries have certainly been a problem for Lampard since he took over at Stamford Bridge in the summer.
N’Golo Kante was struggling with a knee problem at the time and has had other injuries since, while Callum Hudson-Odoi and Ruben Loftus-Cheek were recovering from ruptured Achilles tendons.
Lampard said: “When we came into the club, the injuries overlapping from last year were huge: N’Golo Kante, Toni Rudiger, Ruben Loftus-Cheek was yet to kick a ball, Callum Hudson-Odoi, and Willian had an injury at the start of the season from an international.
“They were there from last year. It’s definitely been an issue and now we have another bulk.
“Christian Pulisic has now been out for two months and N’Golo Kante has played 50% of our games – and he generally plays 100% of games or there or thereabouts.
“People have looked in slightly different directions with us, with the transfer ban and the youth. But it (injuries) has been a big issue for us.
“To lose N’Golo Kante – for me one of the greatest midfield players in the world – and Ruben Loftus-Cheek – one of the most exciting English midfield players in the Premier League – is a huge loss for us.”