Reports in England claim Chelsea boss Frank Lampard has identified Cesar Azpilicueta as the key reason the club’s defence capitulates whenever it comes under pressure.

Azpilicueta has endured a tough start to the season under Lampard, failing to replicate the solid performances for which he became known in a Blues shirt.

Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta will be dropped by Frank Lampard once Reece James returns from injury.

Chelsea have conceded nine goals in their opening four games and Lampard is now preparing to make Azpilicueta the fall-guy, per the Daily Star.

The report claims Lampard is waiting for James to recover from ankle damage he sustained in the summer before slotting him into the starting line-up.

The 19-year-old is expected to be back fit after the international break, report the Express.

James impressed on loan at Wigan last season, featuring in 45 Championship games for the Latics.

Lampard said James would be a “big player” for Chelsea back in August as he showed signs of progression in the treatment room.

While Derby manager, Lampard said of James: “I did a lot of work with the Academy at Chelsea last year and I saw a lot of him, trained with him a lot.