Boost for Chelsea as creative maestro is in contention to return to action

Chelsea star Hakim Ziyech in contention to face Manchester City if the game goes ahead

According to the Evening Standard, Chelsea will welcome back star midfielder Hakim Ziyech for the weekend clash against Manchester City.

The 27-year-old has not featured for the Blues since limping off against Leeds United earlier this month. A creative tour de force, his presence has been a major miss for Frank Lampard’s side.

Originally expected to return for the clash against Arsenal, his recovery has taken longer than expected.

Lampard has confirmed that there is every chance that the Moroccan could feature against Pep Guardiola’s side in our first scheduled fixture of 2021.

“There is a possibility he could be fit for Manchester City if it goes ahead on Sunday. I will know that later in the week, but he is certainly progressing to the point where he is very close to fitness.”

City are currently dealing with a Covid outbreak that saw their Premier League clash against Everton get postponed. With the Chelsea tie falling within the 10-day self-isolation period for those infected, there are serious doubts if the match will go ahead.

It remains to be seen what the Premier League decides to do in the coming days.

Chelsea have struggled in the absence of Ziyech this month. The Blues have won just one of their six matches without the Moroccan star.

Lampard is aware of the player’s importance. He believes it is easy to notice the difference when a player of Ziyech’s ability is absent and cannot wait to have him back.

“You are going to miss players at that level when they drop out and we want him back.”

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While it remains to be seen if Ziyech will return against City, his return couldn’t have come at a better time.

Having fallen behind in the title race, Chelsea will have to pick themselves up and attempt to close the gap in the new year. To do that, we need our best players on the case and Ziyech certainly fits the bill.