Frank Lampard urges Premier League to delay Chelsea's Premier League return beyond September 12

Lampard's side return to action against Bayern Munich next week.
POOL/AFP via Getty Images

Frank Lampard has urged the Premier League to reconsider Chelsea returning to domestic action on September 12 as his players need a break.

The Blues lost to Arsenal in the FA Cup final on Saturday, but their season is not over as they face Bayern Munich in the second-leg of their Champion League last-16 tie this weekend.

Chelsea have been hit hard by injuries due to their busy schedule, with Cesar Azpilicueta and Christian Pulisic the latest victims after injuring their hamstrings against Arsenal.

Winger Pedro was also carried off on a stretcher at Wembley after suffering what appeared to be a dislocated shoulder.

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It all adds to a mounting injury crisis for Chelsea and Lampard has urged the Premier League to look at whether it is realistic for them to kick off on September 12, which is when the top flight is due to return, given they will have a limited break.

“I am guessing we will be told when we start and that will be dependent on how we will go against Bayern Munich,” said Lampard. “The players need a rest before we prepare for that game.

“Even in a worst case scenario we don’t go through against Bayern, the 12th feels too early for me for the players to start playing again. The players need a break.

“That is why we have pulled two hamstrings and had players pull out of the game before this.

“I would like to think the Premier League would look seriously at that and hopefully give us a fair start next season. We deserve to be as a Premier league club competing in the Champions League.”

The Premier League confirmed last month that the division would kick off again on September 12, but it is believed the start date for teams still playing in European competitions is under discussion.

It remains possible they will be given a delayed start, given they could be playing well into August.

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