Frank Lampard has revealed that he’s held talks discussions with Antonio Rudiger over his future at Chelsea after the defender was linked with a possible departure from Stamford Bridge in the summer.
Rudiger was rumoured to be a target for Tottenham, Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan but the 27-year-old decided he wanted to fight for his place under Lampard and remained in west London for the new season.
The German may have been regretting his decision given he’s to play a single minute in any competition this term but recent reports claimed he will likely return to the fold after positive talks with Lampard and Chelsea.
And speaking at his press conference on Tuesday, Lampard confirmed the centre-back could be in line to make his first appearance of the campaign away to Krasnodar in the Champions League.
‘I saw the story. I’ve had discussions with Antonio and all the players as regularly as I can do,’ the Chelsea manager said.
‘I have always had a positive relationship with him.
‘Everything I do I do for the selection and for the team and every week, with the squad we have at the minute, you have to have players out of the squad and it’s always big news for everybody.
‘He is in the squad and in contention to play.’
Lampard insisted his players have to be wary of Krasnodar, despite knowing little about Chelsea’s Russian opponents prior to the Champions League draw being made.
‘I didn’t have a fantastic knowledge of them but since the draw we’ve watched them and are very aware of them,’ he added.
‘They are new into the Champions League so will have absolute motivation.
‘We’re very focused on the game.’
Lampard’s men were held to a goalless draw by Europa League holders Sevilla in their last Champions League Group E match.
