Frank Lampard Confirms Three New Chelsea Signings Will Miss Season Opener Vs Brighton

But Blues fans hoping to see them all in action have been dealt a huge blow as Hakim Ziyech, Ben Chilwell and Thiago Silva have all been ruled out of Monday's game.

Ziyech picked up a knee injury in pre-season ten days ago and Chilwell is nursing a similar issue, while Silva is yet to participate in team training.

"Hakim Ziyech took an injury to his knee against Brighton [in a friendly] and he he won't be fit, hopefully it's a matter of weeks, we have to see," Lampard explained in his pre-match press conference.

"Chilwell is working towards fitness but he won't be fit. He's developed and improved so it's good news.

"Thiago is now in London but he's not training with us until the weekend so I doubt he will be in contention for Brighton. Out of the new ones that's where we're at."

They could yet add more players to the squad, as a deal for Rennes goalkeeper Edouard Mendy looks close.

West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice also remains on their wish list.

However, former England international Lampard played down their title credentials, pointing to Liverpool and Manchester City's dominance in recent years.

"I understand that (people see Chelsea as challengers) and I hope Chelsea fans are excited because we have brought in high level of players," he continued.

"But I know what it takes to win the Premier League. [Manchester] City and Liverpool have run over a few years. I hope we will improve. We know expectations are there, but we want to improve and not get ahead of ourselves."

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