Frank Lampard has backed Alvaro Morata to bounce back from a disappointing debut following Chelsea’s loss to Arsenal in the Community Shield at Wembley.
The Spain international completed a move to the Premier League champions in a £58m deal from La Liga giants Real Madrid in the summer transfer window.
Morata didn’t start the Wembley showpiece as manager Antonioo Conte opted to start with Belgium striker Michy Batshuayi in a lone striker role.
Chelsea made the breakthrough in the 46th minute through wing-back Victor Moses before Bosnian defender Sead Kolasinac levelled shortly after Pedro’s sending off.
Conte brought on Morata with 16 minutes remaining but the former Juventus striker struggled to make an impression.
The 24-year-old centre-forward missed his spot-kick effort in the penalty shootout as Arsenal won the Community Shield at Wembley.
Speaking to BT Sport about the performance of Chelsea’s new signing, Lampard backed Morata to recover from the setback ahead of the start of the Premier League.
“He came on for ten minutes and made an impact straight away,” Lampard told BT Sport.
“Another week of fitness and I’d be very surprised if he’s not starting for Chelsea next weekend.”
Morata is one of four new arrivals at Stamford Bridge in the summer transfer window.
Chelsea have also signed Manchester City goalkeeper Willy Caballero, AS Roma defender Antonio Rudiger and Monaco midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko.
The Blues start their Premier League campaign with a home clash against Burnley on Saturday.