Chelsea centre-forward Tammy Abraham celebrates after scoring. (Getty Images)
Chelsea were unable to do any business over the summer due to a transfer ban imposed by FIFA but if a report from football.london is to be believed, manager Frank Lampard remains hopeful that the two-window ban could be lifted in January.
As far as their performances are concerned, the Blues were quite lukewarm initially but lately, they have put up some promising displays. With Lampard at the helm, a lot of youngsters like Fikayo Tomori, Mason Mount and Tammy Abraham have burst onto the fore.
However, despite that, certain areas need to be reinforced if Chelsea’s transfer ban is lifted in January. And hence, here are 3 positions Lampard must strengthen if that’s the case.
Cezar Azpilicueta’s influence has been waning over the years and this time, it is practically non-existent. In fact, he often gets dispossessed and a club like Chelsea cannot continue relying on his services.
With Davide Zappacosta out on loan, this is a rather problematic situation for Lampard. Of course, he could utilize Reece James more often in that role but at 19, that might not be advisable.
Granted, he put in a commendable display against Crystal Palace and experience does matter inevitably.
Now, this is where Lampard must strengthen at the earliest. Antonio Rudiger is out with an injury and David Luiz moved to London rivals Arsenal in the summer.
As a result, the likes of Andreas Christensen and Kurt Zouma have been the centre-back pairing on most occasions but with hectic schedules on the cards, the Blues require reinforcements.
Tomori is certainly a viable option but unfortunately, both Zouma and Christensen have been somewhat inconsistent.
Willian and Pedro are currently in the final year of their contracts and while Lampard has the likes of Callum Hudson-Odoi and Christian Pulisic at his disposal, Chelsea could do with some added reinforcements.
Furthermore, Eden Hazard was a force to reckon with on the wings and since his departure, the Blues could do with another searing attacker who can play as a winger and an attacking midfielder if needed.