Chelsea boss Frank Lampard admits they miss Hakim Ziyech's creative edge.
Lampard concedes their form has fallen away since Ziyech was forced out with a hamstring injury.
Chelsea have won just one of their last five matches in the Premier League - suffering defeats by Everton, Wolves and Arsenal. Chelsea stopped the slide this week with a battling 1-1 draw against Aston Villa. Previously, the Blues had gone nine games unbeaten in the Prem.
And Lampard concedes Chelsea's slide has gone hand-in-hand with the loss of summer arrival Ziyech, who had scored one goal and provided three assists in Premier League action before he suffered a hamstring injury in early-December.
“I don't think it's a coincidence, no. Although I cannot be completely sure. You never know how something will have an impact, even if it seems a foregone conclusion in terms of points," Lampard said, quoted by Voetbalzone, after Monday night's draw with Aston Villa.
“The way Hakim played was important to Chelsea. He was very effective in assists, creating opportunities and some goals.
"And he also radiated a lot of confidence when he was on the ball. Chelsea's play was fluid. We were in shape, we were in a flow, until he got injured against Leeds United. So somewhere you are right. You always miss such players, literally and figuratively, if for whatever reason they cannot participate.
“When will he be back? There is a possibility that he can compete against Manchester City on Sunday. If that match of course is played..."
Overall, since his arrival from Ajax, Ziyech has played 12 games for Chelsea, scoring twice and managing three assists. Next up for Chelsea are Manchester City, which they face at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
- updated December 30
