Frank Lampard has hinted that Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang could start against Brighton after being exiled at Chelsea under Graham Potter.
The interim boss has told his squad that he will give them a blank slate to impress, including those who played under him when he last managed the club before being sacked in 2021.
The Blues have gone four games without scoring under three different managers, their longest such run since December 1993.
Aubameyang, who has over 300 career goals, could be an option to help end the barren run, but lost his place Graham Potter and was not even registered in the club’s Champions League squad.
After making his first appearance for six weeks under Lampard away at Wolves, the forward could be in line for his first start since early January on Saturday at Stamford Bridge.
“The players have to feel when they train and when they turn up for training and how they prepare, the competitive nature in the squad to get a place in the team needs to be high in every position,” Lampard said in his pre-match press conference.
“Auba is a bit like everyone in the squad, starting before or not starting so much, everyone needs to compete in training and show they’re worthy of their place.
“History says he has a fantastic goalscoring record. So, we’ll see.”
Lampard will this weekend manage Chelsea on home soil for the first time during his spell as caretaker manager and, despite the temporary nature of his role, he is excited to rekindle the bond with the supporters.
He said: “I’m delighted to be back. It never falls short, the honour of being a manager, or head coach in whatever capacity.
“I’ve done it before for a season and a half and pretty much loved every minute of it. I’m happy to be back. My overriding feeling is, I’ve performed at Stamford Bridge in one way or another for a long time over the years, my overriding feeling is a focus on the job and trying to get wins.
“I appreciate being back but I’ll have my serious face on.”
