Chelsea coach, Frank Lampard has urged to protect the welfare of players in the Premier League amidst a congested schedule by scrapping kick-offs as early as Saturdays.
His side will face Newcastle United in the away match during the early lunch-time slot and the coach is very concerned with the very small duration between the ending and commencement of the club and international games.
“It’s not the best. When you look at the scheduling it is a common sense factor. That 12.30 pm slot, how often does it need to be there,” Lampard told reporters as per the official club website, Chelseafc.com.
“It’s absolutely not the optimum way to have players preparing for a Premier League game. You want the best of the brand. I want us to play to our best but it is very difficult circumstances.”
The injuries are going up across the Premier League. Change the time, it is not that difficult. We have to continue to look at the best way to change it.”
Lampard also asked the Premier League to bring back the five substitution changes per match instead of three subs in a game. International Football Association Board (IFAB), the football rule-making body asked for a poll on whether to go for five or three subs per game.
To much surprise, the clubs chose to go against the five subs a game rule and this decision has made each and every club suffer. Each club is dealing with a lack of players due to injury concerns as they are getting overused in back-to-back matches.
“I think it is something we have to address again with clubs. My main concern is player welfare, they are under incredible stress, especially those playing in Europe,” he said, referring to the Champions League and Europa League.
“I don’t want anyone to cry their eyes out for players but everywhere else has five substitutes, we have to revisit this.”
Chelsea coach confirmed the availability of German winger, Kai Havertz who has returned after testing negative in the COVID-19 check-up. But he is still unlikely to travel to the St. James’ Park with the squad to face Newcastle United. Chelsea’s No. 10, Christian Pulsiic is unavailable as well as he continues to recover from his hamstring injury.
