By Ryan Moran
Five Chelsea academy players are in contention to step up to play for the first team in the FA Cup third round clash with Morecambe.
Frank Lampard confirmed that Tino Anjorin, Tino Livramento, Jude Soonsup-Bell, Lewis Bate and Henry Lawrence have all participated in training this week as Covid rule changes allowed.
In his pre-match press conference, Lampard said; “It’s something I’ve always believed passionately about for the club. And I’ve seen a lot out of all of those players that have come to train with us that they’re real potential for us.”
The Blues manager admitted some may be involved in the game on Sunday but added that three players won’t be ready in time. Reece James, Andreas Christensen and N’Golo Kante all miss out despite training with the squad in preparation for Sunday’s game.
Anjorin is the only one of the five to have appeared for the senior side this season, starting the Champions League draw with FK Krasnodar at Stamford Bridge, building on two substitute appearances last season.
Lampard refused to be drawn on whether this was another chance to give Kepa Arrizabalaga game time and what the January transfer window had in store for Spanish goalkeeper.
Read George Overhill’s report of Chelsea’s last game here.
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