Hakim Ziyech Ready For Action, Could Suit Up For Chelsea Against Southampton

KEY POINTS

Hakim Ziyech appears to be fully healed from his injury
The midfielder could play for Chelsea in its match against Southampton next week
Ziyech looked sharp during Morocco's friendly with Senegal

Chelsea FC is set to face Southampton next and Frank Lampard may have one of his new faces in tow. Hakim Ziyech has yet to see any competitive action for the Blues after suffering a knee injury during pre-season friendly matches.

The 27-year-old Moroccan midfielder officially made his return on Friday when Morocco faced Senegal in Rabat, Football London reported. He came off the bench and set up a goal for his team in the 3-1 win.

Morocco will next face DR Congo in a friendly on Tuesday, but Ziyech will no longer be around. The midfielder is on his way to London to rejoin the Blues. The report further stated that the agreement was made even before the Senegal game.

Hence, Lampard will have another new face ready for action following the club's lavish spending on transfers some months back. It can be recalled that Ziyech and Timo Werner were among the first new players who joined Stamford Bridge.

Ziyech already saw action during the pre-season and will be best remembered for setting up Werner for a goal against Brighton. An injury forced him to miss the initial Premier League games of the Blues against Brighton, Liverpool, West Brom and Crystal Palace.

The Blues are coming off a 4-0 win over Crystal Palace. If Lampard chooses to start him, Ziyech is expected to form a deadly front three with Werner and Christian Pulisic. This is the vaunted combination that Blues fans have been wanting to see.

Of course, some want to see if Ziyech is ready and back to his old form. But if his performance against Senegal is any indication, there is reason to be excited.

He came in at the 59th-minute mark for Morocco and looked pretty sharp. Though it was a short stint for him, his passing was spot on – including the one he gave to Youssef El-Arabi to seal a 3-1 win for the Atlas Lions. Highlights of his game can be viewed here.

Speaking of injuries, goalkeeper Edouard Mendy’s health is also questionable. As mentioned in a previous report, the 28-year-old shot-stopper sustained an injury to the right thigh while training in Senegal. If he is unfit to play, the Blues may turn to Kepa Arrizabalaga or Willy Caballero for goalkeeping duties for now.