Frank Lampard provides fresh update on Loftus-Cheek ahead of Everton clash

Chelsea manager Frank Lampard has provided a fresh update on the fitness of Ruben Loftus-Cheek ahead of the club's Premier League clash against Everton.

The England international has featured in a few reserve team games following his comeback from a long-term Achilles injury but Lampard has stated that the midfielder is short of achieving 100 percent fitness.

"Ruben played half of that game himself. He is trying to find match fitness. He’s short of that, Ruben is saying that himself and I can see that. There is work to do," he told via Chelseafc.com.

The Blues are currently facing an injury crisis and they are expected to be without key players such as Mateo Kovacic, N'Golo Kante, Tammy Abraham, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Christian Pulisic for the Toffees game.

They have been very inconsistent with their displays but continue to hang onto the fourth spot with a two-point advantage over fifth-placed Wolverhampton Wanderers with a game in hand.

Lampard's side have struggled with their league displays at home with a win percentage of just 42 percent this term but he will be hoping for maximum points against the Toffees on Sunday.