Chelsea issue fitness updates over wingers Hakim Ziyech and Callum Hudson-Odoi
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Your support makes all the difference.Hakim Ziyech and Callum Hudson-Odoi have avoided serious injury, in a boost to Chelsea and boss Frank Lampard.
Ziyech and Hudson-Odoi had suffered hamstring issues, depleting the Blues' options out wide amid the busiest period of the season.
But both Morocco wing Ziyech and England star Hudson-Odoi had scans on their injuries on Monday, with Chelsea hoping to see the duo back fit in a fortnight.
"We think both are going to be about two weeks, they both had scans yesterday," said Lampard. "So it should be about two weeks. With Hakim that's positive, while with Callum we didn't know what to expect. But it's good news overall on both."
Chelsea had already topped the group and secured their place in the last 16, so boss Lampard made 10 changes to take on the Russians.
Billy Gilmour impressed on his first start since knee surgery, with academy graduate Tino Anjorin also turning in a promising full debut.
Lampard confirmed Anjorin will continue to train with the first team squad while Ziyech and Hudson-Odoi continue their rehabilitation from injury.
Chelsea must now tackle testing Premier League trips to Everton and Wolves, before hosting West Ham and taking on Arsenal at the Emirates over Christmas.
Ziyech and Hudson-Odoi could perhaps be fit in time for the West Ham clash on December 21, but in the meantime Lampard remains pleased with the young talent at his disposal.
"Tino showed a real ability to step straight into the level, in terms of his abilities on the ball, which I think he showed today," said Lampard.
"His physical attributes to protect the ball and run shone through well.
"He's a work in progress, especially after recent injury concerns, but he's a player that the more he trains with us the better he gets.
"With the injuries we have in the short-term he'll be spending more time with us.
"It was a good debut and he grew into the game as it went along.
"I thought Billy was outstanding on his return, I felt very comfortable with him coming back in, he's trained so well, done his rehab and he deserved his chance tonight.
"So I expect to see more of the same from Billy as he gets stronger now he is past his injury."
PA
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