Chelsea are sweating on the fitness of midfielder Mateo Kovacic after the Croatia international limped out of the Blues’ FA Cup clash against Liverpool.
The midfielder was forced off a couple of minutes before half-time after an innocuous incident while he was on the ball in his own half.
The injury did not appear to been an impact one and the nature of Kovacic’s departure off the field suggests he was struggling with an ankle complaint.
We’re forced into our first change of the night, as Mateo Kovacic hobbles off with a knock.
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— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) March 3, 2020
Any absence for Kovacic comes at the worst possible time for Chelsea, who are already without the injured N’Golo Kante.
To make matters worse, Jorginho is suspended for the next two Premier League matches following his 10th booking of the season, as well as their second leg Champions League clash against Bayern Munich.
Lampard made a number of changes for the visit of Liverpool, including teenager Gilmour.
The Scottish youngster was a shining light in the first half for the Blues, who took a lead into the interval after Adrian spilled a tame shot from winger Willian.
Lampard will be hoping for positive news on Kovacic’s injury as Chelsea face top four rivals Everton at Stamford Bridge on Saturday before tests against Aston Villa and Manchester City.
Ironically, Jorginho was available to face Liverpool but he was rested by Lampard, who selected youngster Billy Gilmour instead.
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