LONDON (UK) – Because of a muscle problem, Chelsea winger Hakim Ziyech will not be able to play in the Premier League encounter at Arsenal on Saturday. It is also doubtful if defenders Ben Chilwell and Reece James will see action after picking up knocks, said manager Frank Lampard.
Ziyech joined the club from Ajax Amsterdam during the close-season for 40 million euros ($48.81 million), but he missed the start of the campaign because of an injury.
The Morocco international has not played since Chelsea’s 3-1 win over promoted Leeds United on Dec. 5.
“Ziyech won’t be fit for Arsenal… he’s got another muscle injury. You have to wait for it to recover,” Lampard told a news conference on Wednesday.
“It’s not a long-term concern, we hope to have him back within the next week or so, and hopefully offering what he was before.”
Chilwell and James both suffered knocks in the past week and are doubtful for the clash at the Emirates Stadium as well as the visit of Aston Villa two days later.
“I can’t give you an answer at the moment. I’m not sure if they’ll be fit for either game,” Lampard added.
Lampard’s side are fifth in the league with 25 points from 14 games.