Frank Lampard explains Christian Pulisic's absence for Chelsea

Chelsea boss Frank Lampard has said that Christian Pulisic's recent absence on the playing field has been contributed for the competition for places within the squad.

The United States international started the campaign as a regular under the Blues manager but he has not earned a single minute of gametime since the 2-2 draw versus Sheffield United before the international break.

Speaking after the 2-1 defeat to Liverpool, Lampard said that he has a squad to pick from and hinted that Pulisic will get his chance to impress in the forthcoming round of matches.

"I have a squad to pick from, he played before that in a few games. Willian has come back and looked sharp and good. I decided to go with Mason today. We needed to stay strong and play Mason high up the pitch. That's my choices to make," he told.

The west London giants have struggled during the initial months of the new league season and they have acquired just eight points from the opening six league matches.

They have an opportunity to return to winning ways against Grimsby Town in the League Cup third round on Wednesday night and Pulisic should return to the lineup for that game.