Frank Lampard sends fitness message to youngster after confirming latest injury blow

Chelsea caretaker boss Frank Lampard has ruled out defender Ben Chilwell for their clash against Nottingham Forest after he was forced off late in the 3-1 win over Bournemouth last weekend.

There is a slim chance that the defender might return before the season is wrapped up but his latest hamstring injury will be a concern to the club having missed the World Cup last December due to a similar injury.

Young defender Lewis Hall who has been impressing manager Frank Lampard is likely to be involved tomorrow after Lampard confirmed he was tempted to play him at Bournemouth but only changed his mind due to the experience of captain Cesar Azpilicueta.

He told reporters: “We are hoping that Chilly [Chilwell] may be fit possibly for the last game or two in the season but that is a tight call.

“It’s a similar story with Mason Mount, maybe a little similar with Reece (James) but I feel that Reece might be slightly behind that. So we are obviously chasing it about now.”

On Lewish Hall getting a runout, he added: “Lewis has a chance. I was tempted to put him on last week but the experience of Azpi was more suitable. He is a very good player, a really talented player. He needs to come out of himself a bit more. I have been really impressed and he is in the running for the last four games.”

Chelsea won only their first game in seven under Lampard last weekend and will hope to get back-to-back wins when relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest visit the Bridge.

Finishing what has been a challenging season on a high will be the aim of Lampard who took over the club following the sacking of Graham Potter.