Frank Lampard has admitted that Christian Pulisic’s injury is taking longer to treat than Chelsea expected.
Pulisic has been out with an adductor injury since New Year’s Day despite the club initially believing he would return much sooner.
Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Chelsea boss Lampard said: “The projected time out was a lot less than expected but I had a similar injury myself and was out for three months – it was my worst injury.
“So I can sympathise. I can see it’s a difficult one.”
Chelsea are also unsure when Tammy Abraham will be able to return to action.
The England striker is still struggling with an ankle problem and will miss Saturday’s game at Bournemouth along with Pulisic, N’Golo Kante and Callum Hudson-Odoi.
“I speak to the doctors daily about it but we’re not actually clear about that one,” Lampard said when asked for an update on Abraham.
“We’re trying to find a solution. It’s obviously frustrating that he comes in and out somewhat.
“At the minute he’s not doing anything active for the next couple of days.”
On a brighter note for Chelsea, Ruben Loftus-Cheek is in the squad for the trip to the south coast as he continues his comeback from an Achilles injury.