Lampard wanted to rest Chelsea midfield duo

Frank Lampard has admitted he would have liked to have rested Jorginho and Mateo Kovacic for Chelsea’s Carabao Cup clash with Manchester United.

Chelsea were beaten 2-1 at Stamford Bridge, where Marcus Rashford’s stunning free-kick took United through to the quarter-finals.

Blues boss Lampard rested a number of players but his midfield options are currently limited, so Jorginho and Kovacic both started.

Lampard is currently without N’Golo Kante and Ross Barkley, as well as Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who is on the way back from a long-term injury.

Lampard explained: “I would have liked to have given Jorginho particularly and Kovacic a rest as well because of the work they’re putting in and because of the endurance of the season and the physical output of the players has been a lot.

“But I couldn’t because of N’Golo and because of Ross and because Ruben’s long-term – hopefully on the road, but a fair way away.

“So I couldn’t make those changes that I kind of wanted to. That’s just what it is.”

Kante is set to return to training in the next few days and Lampard is hopeful the Frenchman will soon be available again.

The midfielder has been out with a groin injury, having previously been troubled by knee, ankle and hamstring problems.

“He’s going to hopefully join in in training in the next two or three days,” said Lampard.

“It’s important. He’s a top player.”

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