Even Chelsea's overfilled 32-man squad is starting to look thin in areas with a set of injuries close to rivalling the entire XI they had out over the winter period. Right now, Frank Lampard has eight players either already ruled out for the season or almost certain not to return.
It is a list of injuries that covers the entire field but specifically hits the backline hard. Marc Cucurella, Reece James and Ben Chilwell were already doubts to return before the final game of the season against Newcastle, leaving Trevoh Chalobah a way back into the side. Benoit Badiashile's three-month setback gives Lampard even less room to play with.
There may not be anything of any true reward to gain from the last two matches but Lewis Hall and Carney Chukwuemeka were still kept from going on international duty with England Under-20s in order to cover for their senior teammates.
