Frank Lampard and Branislav Ivanovic injured, out for a month

It’s been a good festive period for Chelsea with some big wins that have kept us right in the hunt for the Premier League title. The only downside has been two injuries to Branislav Ivanovic and Frank Lampard that will keep them out of the side for until the end of January!

On the plus side of things, the hectic period is over and Chelsea only have four games to play this month: Derby away on Sunday in the FA Cup, Hull away on Saturday 11th in the Premier League, Manchester United at home on 19th in the Premier League followed by West Ham at home on 29th Jan once again in the Premier League.

As you can see, each game gives the squad a chance to rest ahead of the next and hopefully the two injuries will not affect us too much.

Now I wasn’t at the game yesterday but judging by opinion I have read, Chelsea looked much better balanced with Ashley Cole playing left and Cesar Azpilicueta playing in his natural position on the right.

This is something that quite a few Chelsea fans have been pushing for over the course of the season after Azpilicueta’s impressive performances and some mistakes Ivanovic has made this term.

As for Frank Lampard? He is still part and parcel of Jose Mourinho’s team selections but at the moment we have Mikel, Ramires and Michael Essien (if he remains here!) available to select from for the two holding midfield places. Let’s not forget that according to reports, Jose Mourinho is very close to making a move for Inter Milan’s midfielder Guarin so he could replace Michael Essien if he is allowed to leave!

All in all the injuries have come at a good time and we should be able to cope! Thank god we managed to get through the past few weeks without being affected too much and have still been able to pick up points!