Chelsea manager Frank Lampard has urged Michy Batshuayi to step up and challenge for a starting berth by showing some consistency with first choice forward Tammy Abraham seemingly facing a spell on the sidelines.
Abraham, unfortunately, collided with the pitchside advertising hoardings late on in Chelsea’s 2-2 draw against fierce local London rivals Arsenal on Tuesday and was later seen limping off the field as he left Stamford Bridge.
The 41-year-old Lampard revealed on Friday that the English attacker did not suffer any serious ankle damage in the incident, but the full extent of the injury is still unknown which means that the Blues will be without their 15-goal top-scorer for Saturday’s FA Cup fourth-round trip to Hull City at the KC Stadium, meaning just a fourth start of the season in all competitions for Belgian striker Michy Batshuayi.
And the 26-year-old has been urged by his English manager to make the most of his rare opportunity to shine in the absence of Abraham.
While speaking to reporters ahead of the FA Cup game, Lampard explained that Batshuayi will be given the opportunity to start and showcase his ability, “He starts [on Saturday], yes, this is a chance for him. Part of that has been how Tammy’s been – we have seen his breakthrough and the consistency of his game. But yes, this is a chance for him and clearly he certainly has got to take that chance in terms of his all-round game and goals and his overall performance.”
Batshuayi has netted three goals in his three previous cup starts this season and has five goals in 21 appearances across all competitions.
