Hakim Ziyech and Christian Pulisic are two of the most important players Chelsea manager Frank Lampard has at his disposal. The sight of the pair linking up with Timo Werner is sure to strike fear into every opposing defence. That is if we ever do get to see them.
So far, the trio have not once started a game together. Despite his inconsistent form, Werner has stayed fit, but Pulisic and Ziyech have both struggled heavily with fitness. Both wingers have already had multiple injuries this season, and just 12 games in, that’s starting to look like a real concern for Chelsea.
Chelsea: Pulisic and Ziyech Injury Struggles Very Concerning
Such a Deadly Duo for Chelsea
When Pulisic and Ziyech are on their game, both can be the best winger in the Premier League. The American arguably was during last season’s restart, and Ziyech has already shown some very bright signs.
They have very different strengths, but the two are complementary in many ways. Whereas Pulisic relies on lightning-fast dribbling and quick turns of pace, Ziyech relies more on his vision. Pulisic tears defences to shreds with his direct running, Ziyech does the same with his passing. Both can make something out of nothing, and both will have a monumental impact on Chelsea’s season.
Pulisic and Ziyech Injuries Have Cost Their Side
As talented as they are, if they aren’t fit, their quality means nothing. With Chelsea’s ambitions to be fighting for the Premier League title, not having their two best wingers available to them is essentially a death wish.
For example, in Saturday’s match against Everton, the Blues did not have a single natural winger fit. Pulisic and Ziyech were both out, and Callum Hudson-Odoi also had a hamstring injury, so Lampard was forced to play Werner and Kai Havertz on the wings.
Neither are natural wingers and against a resolute, physical defence neither were effective. Havertz is a No. 8 or a No. 10, and Werner is a striker, as simple as that. However, it’s not Lampard’s fault, as he had no other options to pick. The closest he had to a winger was academy youngster Faustino Anjorin, who isn’t even a natural wide player either. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the attack faltered and Chelsea slumped to a 1-0 defeat.
Yes, this season has been relentless and yes, many clubs have suffered from the fixture congestion. But Pulisic and Ziyech have been hit hardest for Chelsea so far, and it’s truly costing them at the moment. Lampard needs them back as soon as possible, for they are too useful to be in the stands.
Pulisic didn’t play against Everton as a precaution, so he should be fine for the next game, and Ziyech still needs a few weeks. But when they do return, if they can’t fit stay once and for all, Lampard may have some big decisions to make.
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