Chelsea: Lampard's defensive coaching questioned by Cross
Chelsea boss Frank Lampard has named a 22-man squad for the Blues upcoming Champions League game against Krasnodar. Lampard's side will be hoping they can get their first win in the competition this season, having drawn their opening game with Sevilla 0-0.
Experienced central defender Thiago Silva has not travelled with the squad and will be a big miss at the heart of Chelsea's defence after his impressive performance in the 0-0 draw with Manchester United at the weekend.
Goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga is once again missing, having picked up a shoulder injury in training last week.
As a result of Kepa's injury, 19-year-old academy stopper Karlo Ziger has been called up to the squad to act as cover for Edouard Mendy and Willy Caballero.
Midfielder Billy Gilmour is once again absent as he continues his recovery from a knee injury suffered at the end of last season.
Chelsea injury news and expected return dates ahead of Krasnodar fixture (Image: GETTY)
The Scotland international is progressing well and Lampard has previously said that he could be back in action after the international break.
"Billy’s working really well, he’s probably three weeks away from his return.
"He’s working outside on his own with the physios still, we hope that he’ll integrate with either ourselves or the Under-23s to get some training minutes.
"So hopefully three or four weeks, probably the other side of the next international break all being well."
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Chelsea injury news and expected return dates ahead of Krasnodar fixture (Image: EXPRESS)
Marcos Alonso is also absent, with the left-back serving the final game of a three-match European suspension as a result of his red card against Bayern Munich last season.
Former Chelsea star Pat Nevin has tipped Tammy Abraham, Mason Mount and Mateo Kovacic to start against Krasnodar.
Speaking to the club's official website, Nevin said: "The starting XI for this one will take a great deal of thought from Frank.
"Having drawn with Sevilla, three points would be very handy here, but he has to be careful not to push players too far this early in the season.
"I am sure he will want as many youthful, energetic and tireless legs on the field as possible, so I will not be surprised if the young guns such as Tammy Abraham and Mason Mount are used from the start.
"Then of course there are the likes of Mateo Kovacic, who could really do with another 90 minutes pretty soon.
"He should also have plenty of energy to spare."
Chelsea squad in full: Antonio Rudiger, Andreas Christensen, Jorginho, N’Golo Kante, Tammy Abraham, Christian Pulisic, Timo Werner, Willy Caballero, Fikayo Tomori, Kurt Zouma, Edouard Mendy, Mateo Kovacic, Olivier Giroud, Mason Mount, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Ben Chilwell, Hakim Ziyech, Reece James, Cesar Azpilicueta, Kai Havertz, Emerson Palmieri, Karlo Ziger.
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