ANTONIO RUDIGER was axed completely from Chelsea’s squad to face Liverpool on Sunday – deepening the speculation over his future.
The Germany centre-back was demoted from even a bench role, despite the Blues’ defence worries when beating Brighton 3-1 in their Premier League opener last Monday.
After only being a sub at Brighton, Antonio Rudiger has not even made the bench for the home clash with LiverpoolCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Brazilian star Thiago Silva’s availability has pushed Antonio Rudiger further down the pecking order at ChelseaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Kurt Zouma and Andreas Christensen resume their partnership from that clash in the Stamford Bridge cracker against Jurgen Klopp’s champions.
And Chelsea boss Frank Lampard also has ex-PSG skipper Thiago Silva available after the Brazilian’s arrival last month.
Ex-Roma star Rudiger might now feel in limbo, having helped persuade international team-mates Timo Werner and Kai Havertz to join the Blues over the summer.
And with the October 5 transfer deadline looming fast, the 27-year-old could be a target for Prem rivals and across Europe’s main leagues.
Just last month, he was linked with Liverpool.
That followed his struggles in the FA Cup final, where two-goal Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang gave Arsenal a 2-1 comeback win.
And in fact he was dropped for a 4-1 Champions League defeat at Bayern Munich – before failing to earn a recall so far this term.
Reds’ boss Klopp has been eyeing defensive cover for Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip after selling Dejan Lovren to Zenit St Petersburg for around £10.9million.
Fikayo Tomori talks about his football beginnings at Chelsea football club
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
