Frank Lampard is confident Christian Pulisic will feature in Saturday’s heavyweight Premier League showdown between Chelsea and Manchester City.
The America international injured his hip during Chelsea’s win over Crystal Palace prior to the international break and missed USA’s two wins against Canada and Cuba during the international break, as they reached the CONCACAF Nations League finals without him.
‘He didn’t go and we had full on communication with the States, manager Gregg Berhalter and their medical team,’ Lampard said at his pre-match press conference..
‘They want their players for top games. He [Pulisic] had a problem going into Palace. He has trained again this midweek. He is in contention to play.’
Calum Hudson-Odoi, however, is almost certain to miss out with a hamstring injury, while Lampard offered no update on long-term absentee Ruben Loftus-Cheek.
With N’Golo Kante available for selection again, Lampard faces something of a selection headache in midfield with Jorginho and Mateo Kovacic thriving in their second seasons at the club.
‘I want it to be a positive issue’ he added. ‘We have Kovacic as well, it is great for me.
‘It is something we have done pretty well. We have had fluidity in our midfield. I think we can use them all collectively.
‘You have to give Jorginho the freedom to leave his position. He has a perception for the press.’
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