Chelsea boss Lampard to pick Willian for his 200th game as he desperately seeks first win of season at Norwich City
WILLIAN is set to start his first game of the season as Frank Lampard looks to get his first win as Chelsea boss when the Blues face Norwich on Saturday afternoon.
The 31-year-old – who is one game shy of 200 Premier League games – came off the bench against Leicester last week in what is his only appearance of the campaign so far.
Chelsea lost 4-0 against Manchester United in their Prem opener, before being held 1-1 against the Foxes.
While they also lost to Liverpool on penalties in the Uefa Super Cup in between the two games as Lampard’s first win continues to evade him.
And he has been dealt a blow ahead of the clash against the Canaries at Carrow Road with N’Golo Kante suffering an ankle injury.
Speaking in his post-match press conference, Lampard said: “Kante has got an injury he has carried all week. We will assess that over the next 24 hours to see if he is fit. It is an ankle strain.”
The match has come too soon for German centre-back Antonio Rudiger, who will not be ready to face Norwich, despite playing 90 minutes for the U23s on Monday.
Lampard added: “Rudiger is not fit yet, but hopefully next week.”
Andreas Christensen and Kurt Zouma will likely be preferred at centre-back having started every game so far this season.
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Mateo Kovacic could replace Kante in the starting XI, with the Croatian to slot in next to Jorginho and Mason Mount.
Pedro is likely to be the man that will drop out for Willian in the line-up, with Christian Pulisic keeping his place in the side.
Olivier Giroud and Tammy Abraham will once again be battling to lead the line, with the Frenchman hoping to be picked for the third match running.