Derby County manager Frank Lampard has admitted that Chelsea's transfer embargo "will be damaging" for the Premier League club, after speaking to the Derby Telegraph in his pre-match Nottingham Forest press conference (14:30).
The London club have recently been handed a two-window transfer ban and a £460,000 fine, after breaching FIFA's rules on signing youth players aged under 18, meaning that they will be unable to sign players over the next years.
There have been concerns that Chelsea, who have endured a very disappointing month under Maurizio Sarri, could look to use several of their youngsters next season, including the likes of Mason Mount and Fikayo Tomori who has been exceptional for the Rams this campaign.
Lampard, who has even been linked with the Chelsea job along with former Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane this week, has admitted that the Blues' transfer embargo "will be damaging", as they look to secure what now seems an unlikely Champions League finish this term.
"All the big clubs are always moving forward, in terms of recruitment and who they bring in, so of course it will be damaging. They’ll appeal it, so let them have that and see what the outcome is."
The Rams are preparing for a massive game against bitter rivals Nottingham Forest on Monday night, with both teams looking to secure a play-off finish come the end of the season.
Derby will be looking to bounce back after a disappointing 1-0 loss to Millwall in midweek - the Rams currently sit 7th in the Sky Bet Championship table, two points off the top six.
The Verdict
I fully agree with Lampard - it's a massive blow for Chelsea as a club of their stature is known for bringing in magnificent players for big money in order to help them finish as high as possible in the Premier League.
If I was a Derby fan, I would be concerned, as Mason Mount could be massively important for them next year if he keeps up his tremendous form.
This blow has really dealt Derby a massive dint in their hopes of signing him on a permanent basis in the summer.