Champions League: Havertz doubtful as Ancelotti confirms Benzema will start against Chelsea
Lampard made sweeping changes to his starting XI for the Brighton game which he described as “an opportunity for some players who didn’t play in the Champions League
Chelsea interim manager Frank Lampard has confirmed that German forward Kai Havertz is suffering a problem with his knee and may not start against Real Madrid in Tuesday's Champions League match in London.
Chelsea lost the first 2-0 last Wednesday.
Lampard surprised at the Bernabéu by bringing on Kai Havertz in last week’s Champions League quarter-final first leg.
The German forward came on for Sterling on 65 minutes.
However, Havertz did not feature in Saturday’s Premier League clash at Brighton which the Blues lost 1-2. Lampard explained that he was unable to risk Havertz due to a knee problem.
“Kai Has had a little issue with his knee which he felt in Madrid on Wednesday night. He should be fine for Tuesday,” the Chelsea manager told reporters.
Chelsea host Real Madrid at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night, with the task of getting back into the tie after losing the first leg in Madrid 2-0.
Havertz came on as a substitute but continues to play an important role in Chelsea’s attack. He is the team’s top scorer with seven goals so far this season.
Lampard made sweeping changes to his starting XI for the Brighton game which he described as “an opportunity for some players who didn’t play in the Champions League, possibly didn’t play at the weekend, to come in because it’s a game where we absolutely need freshness and energy as well. So every opportunity, they should take... I’m not worried, just excited.”
João Félix, Recce James and Mateo Kovacic who were all in the line-up that took to the pitch in Madrid started on the bench on Saturday but all appeared as Lampard made four changes just before the hour.
Meanwhile, Thiago Silva and N’Golo Kanté were left out of the squad altogether - both rested for Tuesday’s return leg against Madrid. Lampard is being cautious with both players who only recently returned from long-term injuries.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed captain Karim Benzema will start in their Champions League quarter-final trip to Chelsea.
Ancelotti’s 2-0 league win over Cadiz this weekend was a vital build-up for their visit to Stamford Bridge on April 18.
Benzema completed 90 minutes in Andalucia, on the back of a full night against Chelsea, and the veteran striker was viewed as a fitness doubt, due to potential game overload.
However, despite nervousness over Benzema’s ability to start three successive matches, Ancelotti confirmed he is fit and ready to play.
“The team is physically fit, as shown by Karim, who is ready for Tuesday. Tomorrow we’ll train we those who haven’t played”, as per reports from Marca.
Ancelotti opted for six starting changes at Cadiz, following the Chelsea first leg, as he looks to keep his squad fully fresh for the run-in.
Toni Kroos and Vinicius Junior missed out this weekend but Ancelotti has previously hinted the pair will be fit to return in London.
