Frank Lampard will assess the fitness and form of Antonio Rudiger before deciding whether to make a move to try to take Nathan Ake back to Chelsea during the January transfer window.

And Lampard could also be forced to find a new forward, with Olivier Giroud poised to ask for a January move away from Stamford Bridge after Chelsea had their transfer ban halved, meaning they can sign players in the New Year.

Head coach Lampard has confirmed he will look to spend some of the £150million available to him in January, as Chelsea attempt to cement their place in the top four and progress in the Champions League.

Defence is an area of concern for Lampard, who has been without Rudiger for the first half of the season. The German international is due to return from injury after Chelsea’s trip to Everton and how he does could have a bearing on the club’s transfer plans.

Having sold him to Bournemouth for £20m in 2017, Chelsea believe they can re-sign Ake for around £40m which is well under his market value. The Dutchman was valued at £70m during the summer, when Manchester United and City were looking for a defender.