Lampard gives update on Tammy Abraham injury, plans to adopt Sarri, Conte’s strategy for Chelsea attack

Chelsea boss Frank Lampard is considering the possibility of adopting false nine as his No 1 striker Tammy Abraham is injured, and is planning to deploy Christian Pulisic for the role.

The hip problem sustained by Abraham in Valencia ruled the striker out of Saturday’s derby with the Hammers, forcing Lampard to shuffle his pack.

Olivier Giroud replaced the England international up front for his first start in any competition since Chelsea’s second league game of the season, against Leicester.

With 20 minutes remaining on Saturday, Lampard replaced Giroud with Callum Hudson-Odoi and shifted Pulisic into a central striking position.

The Blues manager considered if that could be an option while Abraham remains out.

Lampard said: “We’ll see. He does have an ability to run behind the line, and to be sharp in central areas which will naturally get him more goals.

“I am not going to say right now if that is the solution, but we will see as we go forward.”

Finally, Lampard had the latest on Abraham, who will be desperate to be back and available for Aston Villa’s visit on Wednesday.

As a loanee last season, Abraham scored 26 goals for Dean Smith’s side on their way to promotion.

‘We will find out more today and tomorrow,’ reported Lampard.

‘He needs to get outside and move a little bit outside over the next two days.’

Chelsea fans register official protest against West Ham supporters

There are reports in England Chelsea fans have made an official complaint to the FA and Kick It Out over alleged homophobic chanting by West Ham supporters.

Frank Lampard’s side suffered a shock 1-0 defeat thanks to Aaron Cresswell’s goal on Saturday.

That led to the Stamford Bridge boss questioning his team’s character after the Irons recorded their first win in two months to ease the pressure on Manuel Pellegrini.

But it appears there was more trouble in the stands with West Ham fans allegedly aiming homophobic chants at home supporters.

According to The Sun, a Kick It Out statement released today identified the ‘rent boy’ chant often aimed at Blues followers.

The statement read: “We have received numerous reports of homophobic chanting directed at Chelsea fans during their match against West Ham United on Saturday.

“We have informed the FA, and reiterate our message: the ‘rent boy’ chant is homophobic and must be treated as such.”

Chelsea are believed to be putting out a statement today regarding the chant.

Mauricio Pochettino puts Manchester United, Arsenal on red alert

Former Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino has put Manchester United and Arsenal on red alert after claiming he is ready to return to management straight away.

The Argentine was sacked by Tottenham after a poor start to the season – but is still held in high regard after the magnificent job he did over his first five years at White Hart Lane.

Pochettino told Fox Sports Argentina: “My first decision was to come back to Argentina, return to my home and see family and friends.

“But I expect to return to Europe to make decisions on my future.

“My best decision was to come to Argentina to switch off for ten days.

“At my age I don’t need a lot of time to recover. I am open to listen to projects put before me.”

Luis Suarez wants Barcelona to sign Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham

Barcelona striker Luis Suarez has stated that Tammy Abraham could be his long-term successor at the Catalan club.

The England international has emerged as one of the leading scorers in the Premier League this season so far, scoring ten goals for the Blues.

His prowess infront of goal has consigned Olivier Giroud to the bench at Chelsea, with the Frenchman featuring for against West Ham last Saturday because of Abraham’s injury.

Now, Suarez has taken notice of the youngster, stating that: “There are many excellent young strikers at the moment.”

“There are many players that I take an interest in, and watch when I have the chance to.”

“The No.9 at Chelsea, Abraham is one that I like.”

“He is a very good forward, with strong finishing skills, and good movement for his age.”

Suarez also stated his admiration for international team mate Moi Gomez, and Inter Milan front man Lautaro Martinez, who have both been linked with a move to the Camp Nou.