Frank Lampard returns to Stamford Bridge for the first time tomorrow – and he does so a Chelsea legend.

His summer departure was widely viewed as a fitting natural conclusion to his Blues career, with Jose Mourinho ready to move on to younger and fitter alternatives and Lampard set for a final swansong to a memorable career in MLS.

How quickly things change.

Lampard will arrive at Stamford Bridge with a real opportunity to inflict a meaningful blow to Chelsea’s Premier League title challenge. He’s already hurt Chelsea once this season, coming off the bench to score for his new club Manchester City in their first fixture at the Etihad Stadium.

He’s proven, in his brief time at City, that he remains a sharply effective Premier League player when used cleverly.

His five Premier League goals have salvaged precious points for City, and it’s perfectly conceivable that he will play a key role in keeping Mourinho’s men from certain trophies this season.