Chelsea manager Frank Lampard is backing captain Cesar Azpilicueta to come through a period of poor form that has seen some supporters calling for him to be dropped from the starting line up.

The Blues boss was a teammate of the Spaniard during his later years at the club, and he knows the fullback has the character and determination to address this dip in performance:

“He will be more aware than anyone of his form but he’ll also be the first one who’ll want to address it and look to do that in every minute of training. He’s a big player for us, a great personality and I’m hugely behind him.”

“I remember countless times in my career playing with players who had these moments for whatever reasons and the top players come through it. Azpilicueta is a top player for us but I don’t think there are any major issues there.”

With Reece James having made his comeback for the club’s Under 23s last night, Azpilicueta is under pressure to get back to his best very quickly.

Lampard has not hesitated to replace senior stars with younger, less experienced players if they prove capable. David Luiz’s departure from Stamford Bridge was preceded by Lampard telling the Brazilian that he couldn’t guarantee him a first-team place.

In the same vein, Willian has had to settle for a place on the bench with Christian Pulisic and Mason Mount having been picked ahead of him in recent matches.