Lampard reveals double season-ending injury blow; hails star as ‘the future of Chelsea’

Will Ford

Chelsea interim manager Frank Lampard has revealed that both Reece James and Mason Mount will “probably” be out of action for the rest of the season.

There’s no let up in the bad news for Lampard, who’s led Chelsea to four defeats in four games since he took the helm at Stamford Bridge, and now faces the rest of the season with two key players.

Mount, who was only just coming back from a lay-off, looks set to be out for the rest of the campaign, and will be joined in the treatment room by James, who’s struggled all season with injuries.

Asked about the fitness of the squad ahead of their clash with Brentford on Wednesday, Lampard said: “Reece James unavailable. Probably for the season. Mason Mount probably the same. Potential for the last game but probably not. Kai [Havertz] won’t be available tomorrow.”

One player who will surely start their clash with the Bees is Enzo Fernandez, who’s been among the top performers for the Blues this season having moved to the club for £105m in January.

And Lampard hailed the World Cup winner as “the future of Chelsea”.

Lampard said: “Fantastic talent. A young player to achieve what he has in the footballing year has been amazing. To win the world cup and earn a move to a club like Chelsea.

“It’s been a difficult time to come here for him and that will be a challenge but one that can make him better. His age, he needs help and support and will need time.

“I think he’s the future of Chelsea but we must also give him time to settle.”

Asked if the rest of the season, in which Chelsea have nothing to play for (unless they get drawn into the relegation fight), will see some young talent given an opportunity, Lampard said young players will “always get an opportunity” under his management.

He added: “If they deserve it for sure. First period of the club, with the transfer ban the young players got in because they deserved. A culture that should always be there. If you do that, you will always get an opportunity with me.”

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