Mount ‘has got a chance’ of playing against Liverpool
Mason Mount has “got a chance” of being fit for Chelsea’s game against Liverpool on Sunday and N’Golo Kante will also be assessed, Frank Lampard has said.
Mount has made a huge impact since being promoted to the first team but it was feared the youngster could be sidelined for some time after he went off with an ankle injury during this week’s Champions League defeat against Valencia following a nasty challenge from former Arsenal midfielder Francis Coquelin.
However, a scan revealed no ligament damage and Mount is expected to have a late fitness test before a decision is taken on whether he will be involved this weekend.
Blues boss Lampard said: “He’s got a chance. We all saw the image of the tackle and it made it look really bad, but hopefully it’s not so bad.
“We’re trying to get him moving today and it’s one I’m going to have to call just before the game with another 24 hours in the bank.
“We’re trying and the good thing with Mason is his attitude. He’ll give everything to go out there and play for this club, particularly in a game of this size. We’ll try to get him there.
“There’s a lot of swelling and it didn’t look the best. But I think with some injuries with the ankle – from my experience as well – if there’s proper damage there’s not much you can do but sometimes if they’re swollen and you strap it up – old school – and get out there, it can be done.
“We won’t take any risks with him. There’s a bigger picture. But we’ll do our best.”
Kante, who has not played for a month, is back in training and pushing for a return to action.
The Frenchman was troubled by a knee problem towards the end of last season and managed to get through last month’s Super Cup game against Liverpool in Istanbul, which went to extra time, but has since been sidelined by an ankle injury.
“It’s a boost with N’Golo. We all know the importance of him for the team and the attributes he brings,” Lampard said.
“The question for me is how fit he is, because he’s had a long time out now since the back end of last season. I know he played a couple of games this year but he missed pre-season and what he did in Istanbul was miraculous – to play how he did without training.
“So now we just have to manage him. Similar to what I said with Mason – there’s a bigger picture but it’s great to have him back.
“If he can bring us positives on the pitch because his fitness is good enough now the injury is healing – he still feels it occasionally – then I’ll take that into consideration.”
