Sickness bug strikes Chelsea forcing Lampard to miss press conference and fears players could be ill for FA Cup tie

FRANK LAMPARD has been laid low by a sickness bug that has also hit his players.

Chelsea’s manager was forced to pull out of his press conference ahead of Sunday’s FA Cup third round clash at home to Nottingham Forest.

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Lampard did take training beforehand and club sources insist he will be well enough to attend the important game which comes as Chelsea bid to recapture their home form after three defeats in the last four Premier League games at Stamford Bridge.

Also hit by the flu’-like bug are defender Fikayo Tomori and midfielder Billy Gilmour.

Tomori, who also trained, is expected to recover but will be checked on Saturday but upcoming midfielder Gilmour had to stay home sick.

Chelsea assistant Jody Morris said: “Frank has got a bug. He has had it for a week to ten days – the older you get the harder they are to shake off!

“He is not feeling the best but he will be alright for Sunday.”

Chelsea, who drew 1-1 at Brighton on New Years Day, are expected to make changes against Forest, with defender Marcos Alonso ruled out with a muscle injury.

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Substitute keeper Willy Caballero, as well as Andreas Christensen, Ross Barkley and Michy Batshuayi are all available for the cup tie. 

Olivier Giroud was forced out of the Blues draw at the Amex following an ankle problem and will be accessed ahead of Forrest's visit.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek continues his recovery from an Achilles injury sustained in September but remains some way off match fitness.

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