Frank Lampard says Chelsea have options if Tammy Abraham is sidelined with ankle injury
Frank Lampard insists Chelsea have the firepower to cope if England hitman Tammy Abraham's ankle problem keeps him sidelined for several weeks.
Abraham was carried from the field with an ankle injury scare at full-time as Chelsea were held to a 2-2 Premier League draw by 10-man Arsenal at Stamford Bridge.
Hector Bellerin drilled Arsenal to a share of the spoils after Cesar Azpilicueta had thought his late strike had earned the Blues victory.
David Luiz was sent off against his former club with Jorginho slotting a penalty for Chelsea, but Gabriel Martinelli hit back for the Gunners in a turbulent west London clash.
Asked for the severity of Abraham's injury, Lampard replied: "He has had ice on his ankle, but I haven't spoken to him yet so I don't know."
When asked if Chelsea could cope without Abraham, who has 13 Premier League goals this term, Lampard said: "Yes, yes; and we have the players there to do that.
"I hope he's not (out for several weeks), but then if he is then yes, we do have the players."
Chelsea boss Lampard refused to dampen down links to want-away Paris St Germain striker Edinson Cavani on Monday, and injury to Abraham could increase the Blues' need to recruit a striker in the January window.
Olivier Giroud wants to join Inter Milan to link back up with ex-Blues boss Antonio Conte, while Chelsea also have Michy Batshuayi as their other frontline striker.
Lampard reiterated Chelsea are more likely to look at loan deals than permanent transfers this month, as he plots his long-term strategy at the club.
"I know and I feel where we need strengthening," said Lampard.
"It's not going to be just January, this is more of a short-term window for us.
"This season has given us some answers on the pitch in where we need to improve. But that's not so much for this window."
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