Chelsea and Liverpool face each other in the FA Cup fifth round.
Ahead of the game, Chelsea boss Frank Lampard has faced the press.
The manager gave an injury update: “
Christensen has a small issue, probably puts him out for tomorrow. No returns. Loftus-Cheek is playing in the U23s tonight. No Abraham, Kante, Pulisic, Abraham.”
On Tammy Abraham, Lampard added:
“He went to Barcelona, had another set of eyes on it and it seemed positive. He has had a bit of a bug, though. No news on return yet, though.”
Lampard was asked, what fans can expect from tomorrow.
“A team that gives everything to get into the next round against a strong team. We have to play with a big spirit,” the boss answered.
Kepa Arrizabalaga has been left out from the clubs during the recent games.
“Yeah, he’s in contention. He has been professional with the way that he trains. There is no one who can be relaxed or loose about their future, but there are no decisions or thoughts past Tuesday night,” said Lampard, when he was asked is he in the squad.
Journalist asked Lampard if Liverpool are a strong team.
“We would expect them to put out a strong team. They have done well in the last year, and their defeat won’t make it any easier,” Lampard answered.
Winter break effect, Liverpool?
I don’t know. In isolation, you can look at certain teams and think that, but I think with Liverpool they have just had a couple of results like the rest of do. They have had an incredible season.
More pressure to win the FA Cup?
I feel only the usual pressure. We have to understand that the landscape has changed and tried to bridge the gap. We will have to be at our best. I don’t mind playing midweek. The FA Cup is a huge competition, evening games brings a different atmosphere.
Tougher job than you thought?
No. I had my eyes open when I came into it. I had a hard season at Derby last season. This is the job. This is the nature of the job. (Do you have to be patient?) Yes, but my first feeling is that I’m not patient. In the situation is to be realistic, patience has to be in the game for us.
Does the defeat make it tougher for players to bounce back after a defeat from a long run of wins?
No. I wouldn’t say it is an exact science, it is just the reaction of the players. When you look at them they look like a team of massive professionals.
Big bulk of injuries?
I can’t give you an exact answer to that. We had a big bulk at the start of the season, we have another bulk now. It has been a huge loss on that. I haven’t seen that or won’t label on anyone.
Pulisic and Abraham
They are desperate to be back, but I can’t give you an exact time for when they are back.
Source:
Football.london
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