FRANK LAMPARD has been named Chelsea caretaker boss until the end of the season – which spells good and bad news for certain players.
The 44-year-old managed the club two years ago and then took charge of Everton before he was sacked in January.
Frank Lampard has returned to Chelsea until the end of the season
Frank Lampard has already hinted at handing Mason Mount a run of games
Marc Cucurella could lose his spot in the starting XI
The Blues will continue to conduct a thorough search for a new boss to take over in the summer.
But for now, Lampard is back at Stamford Bridge which could mean mixed fortunes for some of their star players.
The West Londoners have an inflated squad and many big names are set to miss out on matches until the end of the season.
SunSport have taken a look at potential winners and losers from Lampard’s second spell at the helm.
Mason Mount – Winner
Mount has played under Lampard at both Derby and Chelsea.
Overall, he has featured more times than any other player to have worked with the ex-England midfielder, appearing 124 times.
Even taking away his time with Lampard in the Championship, Mount played more than any other player during first period at the club, making 80 appearances.
The 24-year-old has had a tough year, netting just three goals in 32 matches, but he could be set for a run in the starting XI.
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In Lampard’s first press conference since taking over, he said: “Mason has always been a fantastic player even for me. I know he’s had a few injury problems, but I know what I get with Mason.”
Kepa Arrizabalaga – Loser
Arrizabalaga made mistakes under Lampard back in 2019/20 season.
He was subsequently dropped when the boss signed Edouard Mendy as a replacement.
The Spaniard was Graham Potter‘s preferred choice in goal, claiming the No1 shirt off the Senegalese stopper.
However, it would not come as a shock to see Mendy back in between the sticks for Chelsea’s remaining games.
Conor Gallagher – Winner
During Lampard’s previous time at Chelsea, Gallagher was on loan at Charlton, Swansea and West Brom.
Now part of the first-team squad, he is the type of energetic and dependable midfielder that the caretaker boss would like.
Gallagher’s idol is Lampard and he will be desperate to prove himself under his hero.
The gaffer was keen on Jorginho previously, but he is now at Arsenal, potentially handing the boyhood Blues fan a chance.
Marc Cucurella – Loser
Cucurella was signed by Thomas Tuchel for £60million last summer.
When the German made way for Graham Potter, the left-back was delighted to see his manager from Brighton following him to London, meaning plenty of playing opportunities.
Both Potter and Tuchel liked to use a back three, yet Lampard prefers a four-man defence.
This spells bad news for Cucurella, with Ben Chilwell set to take his place in the line-up after a bad defensive mistake in the loss to Aston Villa.
Hakim Ziyech – Winner
Ziyech was Lampard’s first signing after Chelsea’s transfer ban was lifted, joining for £30m from Ajax.
Many players are fighting for a spot on the wings, following the arrivals of Mykhailo Mudryk and Noni Madueke.
Yet, Ziyech could get the nod on the right.
However, he is out of form, failing to score in 20 games this season.
Kalidou Koulibaly – Loser
Similarly to Cucurella, Koulibaly could be a victim of a change in formation that Lampard is likely to implement.
Competition is likely to be hot with Wesley Fofana, Benoit Badiashile and Trevor Chalobah all vying for a start.
Cesar Azpilicueta and Thiago Silva both featured under Lampard during his first spell and are likely to play when they return from their injuries.
Kalidou Koulibaly faces a battle to start under Frank Lampard
