Lampard confirms Tuesday arrival at Chelsea for Christian Pulisic

The only non-injured player still missing from the Chelsea preseason squad is new arrival (though January signing) Christian Pulisic — ‘sick’ not ‘sitch’ — who was still on international duty last week as the USA tried (and failed at the last hurdle) to win the Gold Cup.

While he was expected to join up with the Blues soon, it was not quite clear exactly when that would happen. As it turns out, it will indeed be very soon, just a little over a week after the final.

“Christian joins us on Tuesday. He’s had a short break, but he wanted to get back with us quickly, which I certainly appreciate.”

Even before the Gold Cup, it was reported that Pulisic would not be taking an extended holiday afterwards. After all, he already had a month off between the end of the Bundesliga season with BVB and joining up with the US Men’s National Team for the tournament.

Nevertheless, Lampard appreciates the dedication and the strong first impression that makes.

“I appreciate that. It’s how I would have been. It’s a big move for him to a huge club. He’s a top young player. He’s only going to go one way in terms of his career – he’s going to go up and be a big signing for Chelsea. I hope so. I look forward to working with him.

“It’s important we start the season as well as we can. I know we have injuries – people back at Cobham now that are influential players for us at similar positions, so we’ll need him.”

-Frank Lampard; source: Goal

With Willian and Callum Hudson-Odoi nursing injuries, Pulisic should have a good chance of establishing a strong early claim on one of the starting spots in attacking midfield. Willian might be back at some point next week, too, but it’s the likes of Pulisic and Hudson-Odoi who are likely to carry the club forward into the next decade. At least that’s the plan...