Tammy Abraham out of West Ham clash

Frank Lampard has admitted that Tammy Abraham will not be available for Chelsea’s Premier League clash with West Ham tomorrow (Saturday).

The Chelsea striker went off injured in the 2-2 draw with Valencia in the Champions League on Wednesday after taking a bang to the hip during the first half of the game at the Mestalla Stadium.

There were initial fears that it may be a serious injury, but Lampard confirmed after the game in Spain that he hoped it was not as bad as first feared.

“We will know by the end of the weekend, he won’t be available for tomorrow,” he said, speaking at his pre-match press conference.

“It is a squad game, the lads have been training well and when opportunities come they are ready.”

Abraham’s absence is likely to mean an opportunity for Michy Batshuayi, who came on to replace him in the game against Valencia in midweek.

But Lampard did not confirm that would be the case, adding: “We’ll see,” when asked if the Belgian would play.

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“It is the nature of these competitions. You need a big, competitive squad,” he added.