Lampard predicts Chelsea duo will be ‘big’ players for the club

Frank Lampard has welcomed the news that Callum Hudson-Odoi and Reece James are ready to return to action.

Chelsea boss Lampard was speaking at a press conference as the young duo were preparing to play for the Under-23s against Brighton at Stamford Bridge.

And Lampard is convinced that both players will have major roles to play for the Blues over the coming years.

Hudson-Odoi showed his obvious ability and earned an England call-up last season before his campaign was cut short by a ruptured Achilles tendon.

Right-back James, meanwhile, has been recovering from an ankle injury, having impressed while on loan at Championship side Wigan. There have been reports he is set to replace Cesar Azpilicueta in the Chelsea side once he is fully fit.

Lampard said: “Callum’s going to play along with Reece James, so they’ll get minutes which is important now because Callum has been training with us for a while but there are still some issues with the injury itself that we need to make sure he’s OK with.

“He’ll need to get match fit, so these games are really beneficial for him and Reece James similarly.

“I’m pleased with that. They’re two young players that are going to be big for this club going forward.”