Our next match with Brighton at Stamford Bridge on Saturday comes in a busy spell for Frank Lampard and Chelsea, sandwiched between the two legs of our Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid.

Given our midweek exertions in Spain with 10 men, and a crucial second game at the Bridge coming up on Tuesday, Lampard confirmed he is considering changes to his side to face Brighton as he tries to avoid a drop in intensity when the Seagulls come to west London, as well as offering other members of his squad an opportunity to impress.

'They can’t all play, the maths doesn’t work,' said Frank. 'So I think over the period I’m here, first I want to win football matches because we’re Chelsea and that’s what’s expected by us and the fans.

'Secondly I want to be part of a process in this period where players have an opportunity if they train well. If they deserve to play they get an opportunity on the pitch and they show what they can do.

'So tomorrow will be an opportunity for players who didn’t play in the Champions League or at the weekend to come in, because it’s a game when we absolutely need freshness and energy.'

Chelsea vs Brighton Koulibaly injury update

Lampard confirmed Kalidou Koulibaly will miss this game as well as the second leg against Real Madrid following the injury that forced him off in the Bernabeu on Wednesday night.

'He won’t be available for either game,' confirmed Lampard. 'It’s a hamstring injury and it will be a matter of weeks rather than days.

'He’s a very good, very experienced player. People talk a lot about our squad but when we haven’t got lots of cover in certain times and obviously the Champions League squad is different to the Premier League squad, of course it’s a disappointment for him and for us, but an opportunity for someone else.

'We carry on without him and hopefully he gets fit as quick as he can.'

Chelsea vs Brighton Kante fitness update

N'Golo Kante made just his second start since August in Madrid, having returned from a lengthy injury absence in the Premier League draw with Liverpool a week earlier, and Lampard confirmed he is having to keep a close eye on the Frenchman's fitness as he continues his comeback.

'Having worked with N’Golo before, he’s an incredible player, one of the best I’ve been fortunate enough to work with. I know the positives of having him and the negatives of not, because in my first season here we missed him for some big periods. As an individual player his impact is very clear.

'Off the back of a four-month injury we have to manage him at the same time, because when you have N’Golo fit he’s clearly one of the best midfield players in the world. I think you see in his performances in Madrid and against Liverpool last week that, having just come back from injury, he’s not slowing down. When he plays he always offers massive output and massive quality.'

Chelsea vs Brighton injury list

It remains to be seen whether Carney Chukwuemeka will be able to play a part against Brighton, having not been involved in our last three matches after picking up a knock in training. Armando Broja remains the one player on the long-term injury list as his rehabilitation from cruciate ligament damage continues.

Brighton expect to be without Jeremy Sarmiento and Tariq Lamptey for this game, while Adam Lallana is out until at least next month. However, there is a chance Jakub Moder could return to the Seagulls' squad on Saturday, following a year out with a serious knee injury.

Chelsea vs Brighton suspension

There are no suspensions for either side in this match.

Players who accumulate 10 yellow cards in Premier League matches up to and including our 32nd fixture (Brentford at home) will serve a two-match suspension in the competition.

Premier League booking list
Kovacic 7, Gallagher 6, Koulibaly 5, Havertz 4, James 4, Mount 4, Cucurella 4, Sterling 4, Azpilicueta 3, Chalobah 3, Chilwell 2, W Fofana 2, Aubameyang 1, Badiashile 1, Enzo 1, Hall 1, Kepa 1, Loftus-Cheek 1, Mendy 1, Pulisic 1, Thiago Silva 1, Ziyech 1

Chelsea vs Brighton referee and VAR

Referee: Robert Jones
VAR: Dan Cook

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