Press Conference: Frank Lampard provides injury update, speaks about top-four chances and Callum Hudson-Odoi

Chelsea return to Premier League action to face Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday, looking to get back to winning ways in the league. Ahead of the game, the Blues boss Frank Lampard faced the press. Lampard confirmed, Antonio Rudiger is out of the clash: “Toni has got a recurring injury in the groin, he still has some pain. Andreas, should be okay. A bit of pain but not a risk.” Olivier Giroud is over his illness, which left him pretty weak. Emerson, other side of international break with hamstring: “Ruben, no date but he is jogging outside.” Callum Hudson-Odoi and Reece James will be back to the squad: “They are in the squad. They performed well the other day, delighted for them to score. It was good for the home fans to see Reece, great to see Callum back.” Lampard is looking forward to the fist victory at Stamford Bridge. “The fact we haven’t won at home is something we want to correct. We need a similar performance to Liverpool. If we get that level then I expect we can do okay. We have had a run of home games, but we have to respect Brighton,” he said. On top-four possibilities he said: “No, it hasn’t really. It might be two months but we haven’t played many games. We want to be competitive and get into the top four. I think from the way that we have played and there are lots of moments where we have showed confidence.” Lampard also spoke about Christian Pulisic: “I have got four wingers now that they are all fit. It’s normal to have an adaptation. He has shown some good moments. We must give him a bit of time to adapt because of youth, change of league and living. They are all different, have different pathways. We know he has played in the Champions League.” “A huge part of any manager’s part is to not just work on the pitch, but to pass on more knowledge and be there. I try to do that. I want them to feel that they’re there. Sometimes I might not be so nice. The coaching staff is a huge part of what we have going forward. Neil Bath’s work has been going forward a lot of years. We have to continue that at this level,” concluded Lampard.

El Desmarque: Chelsea to submit €300m bid to sign Neymar