Antonio
Rudiger's Chelsea future has been cast into further doubt after the defender
was left out of Frank Lampard's squad for Wednesday's Carabao Cup match
against Barnsley.
Rudiger was an unused substitute for Chelsea's Premier League opener at
Brighton, before being completely left out of Lampard's matchday squad to
face Liverpool on Sunday.
Players who have missed out on significant minutes during those games - such
as Callum Hudson-Odoi - are expected to be given a chance against
Championship side Barnsley, but Rudiger's omission would appear to indicate
he is not in Lampard's current plans for the new campaign.
There is fierce competition for centre-back places at Stamford Bridge after
the summer signing of Thiago Silva from Paris Saint-Germain. The Brazilian,
who will make his debut against Barnsley, was added to a squad that already
included Kurt Zouma, Andreas Christensen and Fikayo Tomori, along with club
captain Cesar Azpilicueta, who has often been used on the right of a back
three.
Rudiger, who has suffered significant knee and groin injuries since joining
Chelsea from Roma in 2017, would appear to be fully fit, having played all
90 minutes in each of Germany's Nations League matches earlier this month.
The 27-year-old was already understood to be considering his future, and the
possibility of a loan move, with first-team football of vital importance to
him with the rescheduled European Championships to come next summer.
However, with less than two years left on Rudiger's contract, Chelsea may
prefer he leaves on a permanent deal, but are said to be keen to avoid
selling him to a Premier League rival.
When asked in his pre-match press conference if Rudiger could leave, Lampard
said: "I'm going to skirt around that question. It remains to be seen.
"We're not in a period where the transfer window or market is acting like it
has done in recent years in terms of how players move or what level they
move at.
"Again the competitive games have just started. I'm very open to those
conversations with the players as the next couple of weeks go on.
"My priority will always be making sure I maintain and keep the strongest
squad I can for this club but after that of course the individual
conversations will happen within that.
"I will try and make sure I go into the season once the window shuts with
the squad that I feel is healthy and competitive in a healthy way."
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