Frank Lampard had to take Christian Pulisic out of the match against Leicester City on Sunday, and the Chelsea boss confirmed the United States international suffered a calf injury. The Blues won the game at 2-1, allowing them to advance to the FA Cup semis but Lampard said it's a question mark for now if Pulisic can join where Chelsea will battle next.
The manager confirmed that Pulisic complained of discomfort in his calf during the second half that the player had to be taken off the pitch. The 21-year-old was unable to return, and Lampard said the winger could miss Chelsea's upcoming game on Wednesday.
"Christian felt a tightness in his calf in the second drinks break, hopefully, nothing that keeps him out," Goal reported the Blues coach as saying.
It's a good thing though Chelsea that prevailed over Leicester and the win earned the victor the ticket to join the Final Four of the FA Cup.
Lampard said he was happy with the win, which according to him, came despite his side, not in the best of form against the Brendan Rodgers squad. He added that getting past Rodgers and reaching the semis are both satisfying.
Lampard thought his squad allowed too many openings for Leicester to operate, but thankfully, the opposing side failed to capitalize on the opportunities, which the manager said was too many to change the course and outcome of the game.
Also, Pulisic's injury is something to worry about as the American has been impressive since the Premier League restarted. It was clear that the forward is on a roll as he figured prominently in Chelsea's wins against Aston Villa and Manchester City.
Obviously impressed, Lampard said the performance by Pulisic won him a spot on Chelsea's first-team.
The manager likewise noted that Pulisic has the skill and attitude to make an impact in European football. Lampard sees the youngster capable of achieving the level of success reached by the likes of Raheem Sterling, Mohamed Salah, and Sadio Mane.
For him to do that, however, it will entail a lot of hard work on Pulisic's part and the Chelsea boss said his player has what it takes to be successful.
"There is no doubt about his quality, we can see that and he is very keen to improve ... He understands the work that needs to be done to do that. He definitely has the talent, he needs to get to that level," Metro reported Lampard as saying.
Already, the coach said Pulisic puts in the efforts and initiative and he only needs to set the bar higher and put the pressure to get ahead of the competition.
