Chelsea’s Hakim Ziyech sets for Premier League debut against Southampton after playing for Morocco during international break

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Hakim Ziyech
Hakim Ziyech on Chelsea training ground

Chelsea winger, Hakim Ziyech is set to make his Chelsea debut against Southampton at the weekend.

The Morrocan, who joined the Blues from Ajax for £33.4m during the summer window, announced his return to fitness to Chelsea fans with a cryptic Instagram message.

Ziyech sustained a knee injury during a pre-season clash against Brighton, which has kept him out of action for Chelsea so far. He was able to finally recover from the injury before the international break.

Ziyech patted by Lampard after coming off injured against Brighton

Chelsea will now welcome the Saints to Stamford Bridge in a bid to continue their push for the title after spending over £250m during the summer transfer.

He took to his Instagram page with a picture, depicting a prayer, complemented with an mog.

View this post on Instagram

🙏🏻

A post shared by Hakim Ziyech (@hziyech) on

Chelsea returns for Premier League battle against Southampton

In their meeting with the Saints, the Blues will be hoping to avenge a 2-0 loss in the corresponding fixture last season and build on the 4-0 win over Crystal Palace before the international break.

With the Moroccan now availble for selection, coach Frank Lampard might be able to call upon him for the very first time in a competitive fixture.

He was among the first of seven first-team arrivals this summer after Chelsea agreed on a deal with Ajax. His fee could rise to a maximum of €44m (£36.7m).

Hakim Ziyech with teammate during international break

The games Ziyech missed so far since being a Chelsea player include the Premier League opener against Brighton at the Amex, Liverpool loss at Stamford Bridge, the 3-3 draw at West Brom, the 4-0 win over Crystal Palace, and Carabao Cup ties against Barnsley and Tottenham Hotspur.

Now fully fit, it seems it’s only a matter of time before Ziyech gets a taste of Premier League action, which is a major boost for Lampard and the Blues.

It could be recalled that the attacking midfielder made his first appearance since August for Morocco in their friendly win over Senegal last Friday.

He is now back in London rather than staying on for Morocco’s second friendly, also in Rabat, against DR Congo tonight.

According to reports, his departure was agreed before the Senegal game. So, there is no suggestion of a fresh injury blow or recurrence of the previous knee issue.

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