Frank Lampard has insisted Chelsea cannot afford to “overcook” speed king Christian Pulisic this season.

The USA forward fired 11 goals and laid on nine assists in a hugely promising debut Premier League campaign with the Blues last term.

The 22-year-old has taken the number 10 shirt at Stamford Bridge but has missed the start of the new campaign with the hamstring injury he suffered in the FA Cup final defeat to Arsenal.

“He wants to play, he is so hungry to play and he is nearly fit now, but it is certainly something we are going to have to manage this season.

“We have all seen the talent. It’s something we want to get right.

“I am not saying it’s a fundamental, chronic type of an issue. It’s not. But we want to get as many minutes as we can out of the really great Christian that we saw lots of last season on the pitch.

“Christian isn’t ready for West Brom and neither is Hakim Ziyech, but they are both training with us now which is good news. We hope to have them with us in proper match contention over the next week or two.”

“They came through the game on Wednesday and I think Thiago had 60 minutes in the tank, so that was good to see.

“With Ben I might be a little bit more cautious, because his injury has been quite a challenging one.

“I will make the calls but they are in a good place at the moment.”