Frank Lampard has claimed that Kalidou Koulibaly is now a lot closer to returning from injury than was expected at this stage.
He claimed in his pre-match press conference that the defender will still not be fit for this weekend’s Premier League match against Manchester City.
It has been a number of weeks out injured now for Koulibaly after he was forced off in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid.
It was expected that it would be the end of his first campaign in England, which it is safe to say he probably won’t be looking on too fondly after his £33m move.
However, Chelsea fans will have been hoping one of the strongest players in their club will have been available for the challenge of facing Erling Haaland this weekend.
Koulibaly ahead of schedule
Lampard has already hyped up the Norwegian, after making it clear he wanted to bring him in in his previous spell in charge.
While the manager was able to offer the positive news that Koulibaly was ahead of schedule regarding his return, he confirmed it would not be in time for this weekend’s test.
He said: “Koulibaly has been training with us, but probably not fit, he’s ahead of schedule. Benoit has injured himself two days ago and will miss the game.”
With Benoit Badiashile not being available, it is likely to be a defensive pairing of Wesley Fofana and Thiago Silva will be utilised against the champions-elect.
There were reports recently that the Brazilian could be hoping for a move away from the club at the end of the season, instead favouring a return to Brazil. However, it seems as if those talks have been quashed for now.
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