Ziyech, Hudson-Odoi back in training but doubtful to feature against West Ham

Chelsea will be looking to turn the tide and get back to winning ways against West Ham on Monday night after back-to-back losses in the Premier League that has made the 17-game unbeaten streak in all competitions a distant memory already.

The lack of wingers on the bench was apparent against Everton, when we looked devoid of any creativity from the flanks, while against Wolves, a game-changer like Ziyech was thoroughly missed to put the game to bed after taking a 1-0 lead initially. Fortunately, Lampard delivered some encouraging news in the latest pre-match conference regarding the fitness of our injured winger duo, but added that the West Ham game might come a bit too early for them.

"It is their [Ziyech and Hudson-Odoi] first day back with the group today training at a decent level, so I will have to see how they are the next two or three days to see if they make West Ham."

Timo Werner is going through a rough period, with no goals in his last five games in the Premier League. His overall play too, has taken a knock, with several turnovers and heavy touches making for a sore visual.

Lampard was asked whether it had something to do with Timo playing as a winger and not as a central striker, but the boss denied this reasoning, citing the versatility of his front-men along with his own belief that attackers should be interchanging their positions throughout the game.

"For different reasons. We had a big reference for a target man. Timo for Leipzig and Germany played in lots of roles so not a problem for him to be used there. He can be used across the front three.

"I have players who can play on both sides. Not all, like Hakim on the right, but Timo and Christian can play left and right. It can give the opposition a problem. I like to have the option to change it at times."

Kai Havertz is another player whose confidence seems to be shot at the moment, and is looking like a shadow of the player that we saw before he contracted COVID-19.

Lampard was asked whether Havertz playing a deeper role in the currently adopted 4-3-3 formation brings the best out of the German, given the fact that he has played farther up the pitch in past seasons.

"It does. Before Covid he was playing very well as the right-sided eight but consistency is sometimes a good thing and what I want to get for him."

"The reaction around him... he had no pre-season, then got Covid and all eyes are on because of the price tag but we need huge perspective here. Not saying it will take a long, long time but he does need time to settle in. For Chelsea fans and us, we must give him time."

- Frank Lampard; source: football.london

Well, time and tide waits for none. Lampard and the new recruits will have to get their act together soon in order to not get left behind in the Premier League table that keeps changing every week.