Boost for Lampard as Atletico Madrid could be without two ‘key players’ for Chelsea clash

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Boost for Lampard as Atletico Madrid could be without two ‘key players’ for Chelsea clash

Atletico Madrid could take on Chelsea in their Champions League round of 16 tie without either Kieran Trippier and Diego Costa.

The Blues were handed a tough draw when they were paired up with the Spanish giants in the draw held by UEFA earlier this month. Diego Simeone’s side is well organized and will present us with a tough challenge.

The game would also have seen Diego Costa return to the Bridge for the first time since he left us in 2018. While injuries have seen him struggle in his second spell in Madrid, he remains a daunting player on his day.

It was confirmed by reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano on Twitter that Costa is likely to leave Atletico in January. Doing so will see him miss out on the Champions League when it resumes in February.

Romano, however, does go on to add that the 32-year-old could stay out at Atletico till the end of the season if no offers come in for him in January. Another player who is set to miss the first leg against us is Kieran Trippier. The former Tottenham Hotspur man has experience of the English game and is a dogged player.

However, according to the BBC, Trippier was given a 10-week worldwide football ban and fined £70,000 after a Football Association panel found him guilty of breaking betting rules.

Despite who they put on the field, Atletico will represent an excellent challenge to Frank Lampard and his young squad.

While we may have two fewer players to worry about, Chelsea cannot afford to take it easy against Diego Simeone’s side.

The first leg will be played in Madrid on 23 February with the return leg penned in for 17 March.