If anyone was in any doubt there was still something to play for tomorrow night, the build up to Chelsea vs Real Madrid proved that there is still plenty of interest. Open training sessions can often be quiet affairs but when it's a Champions League quarter-final there is no shortage of broadcast cameras and interested parties.
As gathered media was led round to their viewing spot, it became clear the session was already underway for their goalkeepers with a group of coaching staff awaiting the players too, with ten minutes still to go until the scheduled start time. Chelsea weren't short of showstoppers as Eddie Beach and Lucas Bergstrom joined Kepa Arrizabalaga, Edouard Mendy and Marcus Bettinelli. The former putting work in at Cobham while being on loan with Chelmsford City since January.
Lampard was soon out with coffee and clipboard in hand to be followed up by Ashley Cole, who also brought out some preparation in the shape of a clipboard. Spirits were high among staff as Lampard showed his keepie uppie control before patrolling the pitches while his team laughed and joked with Cole particularly keen to have some fun.
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First out among the outfield players were Cesar Azpilicueta and Thiago Silva, the latter set to return to Chelsea's squad having been rested at the weekend. Rube Loftus-Cheek and Kai Havertz were also quickly out having missed the defeat to Brighton via injury, while N'Golo Kante was also in action. Lewis Hall was also with the group having played in Chelsea under-21s' defeat to Manchester City on Sunday.
Proceedings started with a gentle run around Cobham's pitches before the players arrived for a series of warm up drills, over and around obstacles. The energy intensified when ball play become involved in the sessions and the group split into three rondos - an indicator of just how many players Lampard has to work with.
Chelsea's first team stoppers were brought into the fold for the occasions with Marcus Bettinelli ensuring his character was felt in the centre attempting to claim the ball, while an acrobatic aerial backheel helped Joao Felix ensure that he wasn't placed in the centre of his group.
For this opening portion, players such as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, David Datro Fofana, Benoit Badiashile and Noni Madueke were all just as involved as their teammates, despite not being eligible for the clash against Los Blancos.
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