Lampard set to select Hall after Chilwell is ruled out

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Frank Lampard has indicated that young left-back Lewis Hall will feature for Chelsea following Ben Chilwell’s latest injury setback.

Chilwell suffered a hamstring injury during the recent win at Bournemouth and will miss Saturday’s game at home to Nottingham Forest.

He looks likely to miss the remaining four matches of the campaign, as does Marc Cucurella.

Lampard opted to bring on the experienced Cesar Azpilicueta rather than Hall to replace Chilwell at Bournemouth.


But Hall, 18, is now set to add to the five Premier League appearances he has made so far.

Chelsea have refused to release him for the Under-20 World Cup – a clear sign that he will be involved for his club.

Interim boss Lampard said: “Lewis has a chance. I was tempted to put him on last week, but with the nature of the game I felt the experience of Azpi was more suitable at that point.

“I’ll view this game on its merits as well, but in terms of Lewis I’ve been really impressed with his training. He’s a very good player – a really talented player.

“I didn’t work with Lewis before but I watched him from afar and was really impressed, and he hasn’t dampened that at all. The opposite.

“So he’s in the running for the last four games to be involved.”

Hall has impressed in his first-team outings so far and was expected to play a key role for England’s youngsters in the tournament in Indonesia.

Lampard explained: “It’s my decision that he needs to stay with us for the four games.

“We’ve obviously got injuries to both our left-backs that have been playing regularly and that leaves us in a position where we want and need Lewis.”

Lampard also revealed that Wesley Fofana is back in training and has been passed fit for the Forest game, while Kalidou Koulibaly has been involved in light training.

Reece James and Mason Mount remain sidelined.

“Ben Chillwell is not fit. We’re hoping he will be, possibly for the last game or two of the season,” said Lampard.

“I feel for him. He wants to play and represent the club. We miss big players; Reece, Mason and now Chilly – big England internationals.”