Chelsea coach Frank Lampard settled for an unexpected choice of center backs for his side’s 2-0 defeat against Liverpool.
Whilst the Blues boss handed home debuts to big-money summer signings Timo Werner and Kai Havertz, there was not even a place in the matchday squad for their compatriot Antonio Rudiger
The central defender was a regular in the team last season however appears to have tumbled down in the hierarchy behind Andreas Christensen and Kurt Zouma toward the start of the new season.
A few eyebrows were raised when he wasn’t named among the substitutes for the Premier League Clash against champions as Lampard opted to call-up Fikayo Tomori instead.
Following the defeat, Lampard faced the media was asked about the Germany international’s omission from the squad. his reaction was very basic.
“We have five centre halves at the club so I can’t pick three on the bench so that is the way it is,” he told reporters. “I have to pick the squad via training, situations, and the opponent.”
urging by what Rudiger has done on social media, it would appear that he understands Lampard’s decision. Taking to Instagram, the center-back broke his silence after being dropped vs Liverpool to wish his international teammate Thilo Kehrer a happy birthday.
The report also claims that Rudiger wants to leave if there won’t be much playing time for him as he needs to play for his country Germany.
Rudiger could now be in line to make his first appearance of the season when Chelsea host Barnsley in the Carabao Cup later this week.
With Christensen suspended after being sent-off against Liverpool, Rudiger could partner Fikayo Tomor with Thiago silva, who was introduced at half-time after the former was giving his marching ordered in the wake of being sent-off against Liverpool, Rudiger could accomplice Fikayo Tomor with Thiago silva, who was presented at half-time after the previous was providing his walking orders