The boss was speaking at his pre-match press conference and provided an update on team news, starting with Kante who will be monitored before kick-off to see if he can feature in Norfolk.

‘N’Golo Kante has got an injury he has carried all week,’ said Lampard. ‘We are going to assess that over the next 24 hours to see if he’s fit. It’s an ankle sprain.

‘Rudiger is not fit yet, hopefully not next week,’ added the boss of his German defender who played for our PL2 team on Monday.

‘Those are the only changes from where we were last week. Pedro missed open training on Tuesday as he has contributed a lot physically during a busy week with three games, and had a couple of small aches. It was a precaution taking him out for a couple of days but he has trained the last two days.’

Lampard said the plan is still for Callum Hudson-Odoi to return to action after next month’s international break.

‘Callum’s training, he’s looking bright and sharp, but we are in the zone where it’s about protecting him and getting condition and fitness, particularly with his injury. He’s had a quite a long time out. Same with Rudiger slightly. We have to be careful.

‘The international break comes at a good time for us with both those and Reece James. They are all in a position where I hope two or three weeks of strong training puts them right in the frame to be back in the squad and available.’