Chelsea manager Frank Lampard has confirmed that both Reece James and Callum Hudson-Odoi are available for selection after returning from their respective injury layoffs. Meanwhile, the 41-year-old has also confirmed that Emerson Palmieri will be out for a few weeks after picking up a shoulder injury. He isn’t expected to return until the end of the international break next month.
In this article, we will discuss how each of these three injury updates could affect the Chelsea team for the short term.
Callum Hudson-Odoi
Hudson-Odoi’s return to full fitness will be a massive boost for Chelsea, especially at a time when almost none of their creative players are able to create chances.
New signing Christian Pulisic hasn’t featured in a single minute in the last three games in all competitions. Willian, meanwhile, hasn’t even been involved in a single goal this term. As for Pedro, he has featured in only two league games so far.
Hudson-Odoi, in that regard, will add some much-needed depth and variety in the wide-department for Lampard. The youngster has pace and tenacity, which could help him alongside the likes of Mason Mount and Tammy Abraham, both of whom are also young and brimming with potential.
It’s probably fair to say that this could be a breakout year for Hudson-Odoi. And it will be interesting to see how the winger performs after returning from injury.
Reece James
Cesar Azpilicueta, despite his role as club captain, has done very little to lead the Chelsea side. The Spaniard’s lack of pace and failure to integrate to Lampard’s tactical system has become problematic for the club. As a result, the Blues have already conceded 13 goals this season. Only struggling Norwich City and bottom club Watford have conceded more.
James, therefore, could bring some stability at the back, though it remains to be seen whether or not he becomes a first-team regular at the club this season. Nonetheless, the young right-back can provide the impetus going forward while his pace would make him much more suited to Lampard’s style of play than Azpilicueta.
Emerson Palmieri
Emerson became the first-choice left-back at Chelsea this season following an impressive pre-season campaign. But, the Italian has done very little justice to Lampard’s selection and has often looked ineffective, especially in his offensive forays.
That being said, Emerson’s absence will still serve as a massive blow for Chelsea, albeit for a short-term. Marcos Alonso will deputise for the ex-AS Roma star, but the Spaniard hasn’t really managed to perform ever since the departure of Antonio Conte.
At the same time, however, it could be a golden opportunity for him to prove his worth and regain his status as Chelsea’s first-choice left-back by putting in some consistent displays within the coming matches.
