Raheem Sterling has been left out of Chelsea's squad to face Manchester United due to a hamstring issue suffered against Manchester City. The Blues forward was able to continue with the issue against the Premier League champions but has not trained since.
Sterling was left out of Gareth Southgate's England squad this week, at least in part due to the 27-year-old not being happy with his physical condition as the season reaches its close. Chelsea boss Lampard believes that Sterling is still in contention for Chelsea's final game of the season against Newcastle United, however.
Lampard said: "Raheem had a small feeling in his hamstring at half-time against Manchester City. He carried on to be fair to him, so it wasn't a major issue but he hasn't trained since then so we felt it best to leave him out and we hope he can return for Sunday's game."
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Chelsea's teamsheet also saw the surprise of Thiago Silva being left on the bench as Trevoh Chalobah and Wesley Fofana make up the Blues' defensive partnership. Lampard wanted to provide others with an opportunity but believes the Brazilian will continue to have a crucial role moving forwards.
"Thiago has played a lot this season," Lampard added. "I've no doubt he could complete two games in a week, but we felt this was a game where we could leave him out with one eye on next week and next season for that matter, where we think he will be a big player for this club again.
"So we want him to be ready for next weekend and it gives other players an opportunity and to test them a little bitt, with these high-calibre games."
Development squad defender Alfie Gilchrist makes it into a Premier League squad for the first time, taking a place on the bench.
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