Frank Lampard spoke – by video link – at a news conference on Friday afternoon as Chelsea prepare to return to action against Aston Villa on Sunday.
The Blues boss was asked about a new number of issues. Here’s four things we learned.
1. Lampard thinks Timo Werner will need time to adapt
“He’s the type of player and type of profile we’re looking at – players who can really come here and have a big impact.
“We’ll have to give him a bit of time to adapt. The Premier League is a slightly different animal to all other leagues.
“But with the talent I think Timo has, his work ethic and personality – his humility really shone through – I’m very excited to have him.”
2. Callum Hudson-Odoi isn’t fit enough to play
“With Callum Hudson-Odoi, he had a small injury earlier on in the training process and is not match fit, albeit he’s physically fit now.
“Fikayo Tomori has got a muscle injury – probably from the stresses of trying to get fit quickly – which should probably keep him out for the next 10 days or so.”
3. But Ruben Loftus-Cheek is
“He’s looking fit. He’s taken part in our training games and he’s worked really hard to get back.
“It’s a really difficult injury he’s had and we’ve really missed him this season.
“He’s got himself into a position where he’s fit. Obviously we will have to manage it and not over-strain him, but he is looking good going into this game.”
4. Lampard won’t discuss Ben Chilwell
“I’m not even going to speak about Ben Chilwell or any other players, out of respect.
“We’re focusing on our game this weekend and every other Premier League team is doing the same, so I won’t get involved with any talk about future ifs or buts.”