Chelsea boss Frank Lampard assesses impact of having fans back for Leeds United clash

The Blues will be able to welcome back the permitted amount of 2,000 spectators to home games once the country exits its second lockdown on Wednesday in the country's ongoing battle against coronavirus.

Lampard's side will be allowed to do so with London in Tier 2 of the government's tier system concerning social distancing measures and Chelsea's first game back with at least some fans in the stands will come with Saturday's 8pm showdown against United at Stamford Bridge.

With the city of Leeds in Tier 3, United's fans are still unable to cheer on the Whites from the stands until there is a change in either the city's Tier status or the government's rulings on social distancing measures.

Lampard, though, said that having the permitted 2,000 spectators back for the coming weekend's clash against the Whites would not have a huge effect on communications between players on the pitch.

Chelsea sit third in the table after Sunday's goalless draw at home to current leaders Tottenham Hotspur.

"In terms of where we are at, I am pretty happy," said Lampard, speaking at his post-match press conference and as quoted by football.london"Bringing signings into the club it doesn’t mean everything works, we have to gel, we have to work, we have to build relationships with the players and we are doing that.

"We are not in a bad place at all. Will the fans coming back change it? I’m not sure they will.

"We want them back anyway for what it brings to the game.

"I don’t think 2000 next week is going to change too much in terms of communication between the players on the pitch.

"Every day and every performance that passes, I think the relationships are building.

"I’m pleased with where we are at. We always want more, but hopefully it will come."

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Thank you Laura Collins