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Chelsea: Three things to look for in clash against West Ham

By Gabe Henderson

LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 01: Frank Lampard, Manager of Chelsea reacts following the Premier League match between West Ham United and Chelsea FC at London Stadium on July 01, 2020 in London, England. Football Stadiums around Europe remain empty due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in all fixtures being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 01: Frank Lampard, Manager of Chelsea reacts following the Premier League match between West Ham United and Chelsea FC at London Stadium on July 01, 2020 in London, England. Football Stadiums around Europe remain empty due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in all fixtures being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) /
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Chelsea’s Moroccan midfielder Hakim Ziyech (C) embraces Chelsea’s English striker Tammy Abraham (L) after scoring the opening goal during the English Premier League football match between Burnley and Chelsea at Turf Moor in Burnley, north west England on October 31, 2020. (Photo by ALEX LIVESEY/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Chelsea’s Moroccan midfielder Hakim Ziyech (C) embraces Chelsea’s English striker Tammy Abraham (L) after scoring the opening goal during the English Premier League football match between Burnley and Chelsea at Turf Moor in Burnley, north west England on October 31, 2020. (Photo by ALEX LIVESEY/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /

2. Injury list

Perhaps the biggest question surrounding this match is how long will the injury list be? Callum Hudson-Odoi and Hakim Ziyech have missed the last two games with hamstring injuries, but the former finally looks to be fit enough to at least make the bench. The latter is still believed to miss out against the Irons, but should be ready for Boxing Day against Arsenal. Christian Pulisic is fully fit, so it seems as if Chelsea will have two fit wingers for the first time in a few weeks.

Reece James is also in line to sit the match out as the club waits for the results of his latest scan. James aggravated a lingering knock against Wolves and has no timetable for the return at the moment. Cesar Azpilicueta will surely step in to fill the shoes of the English right back, but that raises questions as to who will make the bench behind him. The Premier League approved a motion to allow for nine reserves on the bench for the remainder of the year, and with James’ status up in the air, that could open the door for some more youngsters to be included as emergency right back options.

Further, the Blues have struggled to get anything going in the attacking areas due to injuries. While the Moroccan Magician more than likely remains sidelined, the inclusions of Pulisic and Hudson-Odoi in the matchday squad will go a long way to unlocking the Irons’ back line. Chelsea will also get six days between its last match against Wolves and the bout against West Ham, so the break provides some of the Blues’ most recent signings with a much-needed rest.

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