Ashley Cole believes Antonio Rudiger, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Willian can make a big difference for Chelsea when they return to fitness.
Loftus-Cheek is recovering from an Achilles injury, while Rudiger is close to returning to action after a knee problem.
Willian was woeful after returning as a substitute in Sunday’s 1-1 draw at home to Leicester.
But Cole thinks Willian will have a positive impact once he rediscovers his match sharpness.
Chelsea are still waiting for their first win since Frank Lampard’s appointment as manager.
But Lampard’s former Blues team-mate Cole said: “Rudiger, Ruben will add a lot to this when we’re talking about them not having goalscorers.
“They’re also missing Willian, who looked rusty. Frank needs all these players sharp.”
Cole, who played alongside Lampard for England as well as Chelsea and was with him at Derby County last season, believes his friend deserves credit for taking the job at a difficult time.
The club are under a transfer ban and the new manager has also had to contend with the departure of Eden Hazard.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Cole said: “If you said to Frank now: ‘You could keep this team or add players and you can buy who you want’ then he’d want to add players.
“You’ve got to give credit to Frank for taking the job. It’s not an easy job. To take this job, there’s big pressure.”