Chelsea caretaker manager Frank Lampard will be without at least three players for Saturday's trip to Molineux to face Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League.

Cesar Azpilicueta, Thiago Silva and Armando Broja all remain sidelined with knee injuries, although the former two could be in a position to return later this month, while Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is doubtful with a back issue.

Lampard – who was appointed as Graham Potter's successor on Thursday – has promised a "clean slate" for the whole squad, which could benefit the likes of Mason Mount who has been labelled a "huge player" for the Blues by the new man in charge.

Chelsea operated with a back three in the goalless draw with Liverpool on Tuesday, but Lampard is likely to revert to a four-man defence that he predominantly used during his first spell as Blues boss and during his short stint at Everton.

Marc Cucurella could be the unfortunate one to drop to the substitutes' bench, with England duo Reece James and Ben Chilwell expected to start at full-back, while Wesley Fofana, Kalidou Koulibaly and Benoit Badiashile battle for a place at centre-back.

Kepa Arrizabalaga could keep his place in goal ahead of Edouard Mendy, while Mount may be recalled to a three-man midfield alongside Enzo Fernandez and N'Golo Kante, the latter of whom started his first game since August against Liverpool after recovering from a troublesome hamstring injury.

One of Kai Havertz or Joao Felix could drop to the substitutes' bench if Lampard decides to select two natural wingers in attack, with Raheem Sterling, Mykhaylo Mudryk, Noni Madueke and Christian Pulisic all pushing to start after beginning on the bench last time out.

Chelsea possible starting lineup: Kepa; James, W.Fofana, Badiashile, Chilwell; Kante, Fernandez, Mount; Madueke, Havertz, Sterling

Written by
Oliver Thomas