Chelsea: Hakim Ziyech displays skills in Cobham training session
Hakim Ziyech and Ben Chilwell will be available for Chelsea's clash with Southampton this weekend in a boost for Frank Lampard, according to reports. The Blues boss has been sweating on the fitness of the pair ahead of the Premier League's return and is now hoping to field his strongest side.
Chelsea are looking to build on an impressive performance against Crystal Palace before the international break, as they ran out 4-0 winner at Stamford Bridge.
It proved to be a fine afternoon for Chelsea debutant Ben Chilwell, who scored and assisted for the hosts.
Now he will be hoping to do it all over again this weekend ahead of the visit of the Saints.
The star was forced to withdraw from the England squad due to a foot problem.
He has since been assessed by Chelsea and according to The Athletic both Chilwell and Ziyech have been declared fit.
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Now Lampard is hoping Ziyech can help bring the best from Timo Werner and Kai Havertz.
The German duo have endured difficult starts at their new club and Werner has managed just one goal since his £47m move from RB Leipzig.
Ziyech provided 82 assists and scored 48 goals in 165 appearances for Ajax and Lampard will be desperate for his new man to hit the same heights in the Premier League.
With Christian Pulisic also closing in on a return to action, Chelsea's attack is clearly a force to be reckoned with.
Goalkeeper Edouard Mendy is set to miss out though after sustaining a thigh problem while away with Senegal.
The former Rennes man posted on Instagram: "Little hitch, I’m going to do everything I can to come back faster and stronger. Thank you all for your messages."
It means Kepa Arrizabalaga could be in line for a swift return to the Chelsea line up.
The Spaniard was axed from the team after gifting Sadio Mane a second goal in Liverpool's 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge in September.