Frank Lampard has ruled Ben Chilwell out of this weekend's game against Nottingham Forest with a hamstring injury.
Chilwell limped off in the second-half of the Blues' win against Bournemouth last weekend after hurting his hamstring. It's the latest in a long line of injury problems picked up by the England international in recent seasons and he looks as if it will be a "tight call" to be fit for any of the remaining matches of the campaign.
"Not fit," Lampard said on Chilwell. "We are hoping that Chilly may be fit possibly for the last game or two in the season but that is a tight call.
"It's a similar story with Mason Mount, maybe a little similar with Reece (James) but I feel that Reece might be slightly behind that. So we are obviously chasing it about now.
READ MORE: Chelsea's undroppable duo, Mauricio Pochettino hold-up and Mason Mount contract talks
Lampard added: "Yeah I feel for him. All the players want to play and represent the club and obviously we miss big players.
"Reece and Mason are England internationals, are successful with the club and I've not really had the benefit of them in the short period. With Chilly I suppose a little bit but Mason hasn't really contributed at his top level where he has been fully fit but it is what it is."
Lewis Hall could be the man who replaces Chilwell on the left side of defence for Chelsea. The 18-year-old hasn't played any first-team football since the goalless draw with Liverpool back in January but with Marc Cucurella also sidelined with injury, Hall is in contention to face Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
"Lewis has a chance," Lampard admitted. "I was tempted to put him on last week but the experience of Azpi was more suitable.
"He is a very good player, a really talented player. He needs to come out of himself a bit more. I have been really impressed and he is in the running for the last four games."
Many expected Hall to be travelling with his England Under-20 teammates to the upcoming World Cup later this month but the Chelsea youngster was not selected in the final squad. This had something to do with Lampard and the club wanting to keep him for the rest of the campaign.
"It doesn't make sense [the timing of the World Cup] but from our point of view, having the power of keeping our player is important," the interim Chelsea boss said. "He wanted to play for his country but that is a good thing. But also he has come through this academy and is desperate to play."
READ NEXT:
Chelsea's £35m maverick transfer is perfect Raheem Sterling solution for Mauricio Pochettino
Frank Lampard gives Chelsea 14-year-old huge chance to impress Mauricio Pochettino amid talks
Man United Qatar takeover paves way for Chelsea to sign Neymar to begin Mauricio Pochettino era
What Chelsea fans have planned for Thiago Silva in special tribute during Nottingham Forest clash
Transfer news LIVE: Latest news, views and rumours from Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham
