LAMPARD EXPLAINS CECH PL SQUAD INCLUSION

The inclusion of Petr Cech as fourth keeper in Chelsea’s Premier League squad raised some eyebrows, given the Czech retired from playing in 2019, but head coach Frank Lampard said it was part of their COVID-19 response planning.

The 38-year-old, who played for Chelsea from 2004-2015, would only be called into action in an emergency.

“We had that space in the squad and we know this year, it looks like no other because of COVID and isolation… We felt it was a no-brainer to have Pete in the squad,” Lampard said.

“He’s still relatively young. He finished playing when he possibly could have carried on. He trains fairly regularly and he is fit. Whether we will see him much this season, I am not sure.”