Chelsea Fans in Meltdown as Frank Lampard Confirms Hudson-Odoi Decision

With Hakim Ziyech and Christian Pulisic unavailable, the 19-year-old will have the chance to stake his claim for a regular place in Frank Lampard’s strongest starting lineup.

And the Blues head coach has urged the winger to make the most of the opportunity.

“At the moment we have Christian Pulisic injured and Hakim Ziyech injured,” said Lampard. “We played Timo Werner out wide the other day, but the absolute natural winger who is fit at the minute is Callum.

“We know that in a Premier League squad with the number of games we’re going to play, we need competition in those areas, back-ups in those areas and players competing to make that position their own.

“That’s where Callum is at and that’s why I keep saying he needs to train.

“He needs to show in training every day and when he gets his opportunity in games, which he will have in this game because he will play against Barnsley.

“He has to show in every minute, on and off the ball, what he can do for the team and at the minute, that’s the position Callum is at.

“He’s had an early breakthrough in his career because of his talent, he’s had an injury and now I want to see him flourish again.”

Confirmation that Hudson-Odoi will start against Barnsley has sent some Chelsea fans into meltdown.

Take a look at what’s been said on Twitter…

With that said, Lampard has left the door open for potential a Hudson-Odoi exit before the summer transfer window closes.

“It remains to be seen,” Lampard admitted. “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.”