FRANK LAMPARD has hailed Callum Hudson-Odoi’s reaction to being dropped for Sunday’s 0-0 draw with Tottenham.
And the Chelsea winger is now in contention to start tomorrow’s Champions League clash at Sevilla after a ‘tough’ conversation with boss Lampard.
Frank Lampard is set to start Callum Hudson-Odoi against Sevilla after dropping him for the Spurs gameCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Hudson-Odoi, 20, has three goals in 11 games for Chelsea this season.
But he was not named in the matchday squad for the London derby with Spurs at Stamford Bridge, with Christian Pulisic taking his place on the bench after returning from injury.
Indeed, Hudson-Odoi’s entire senior Blues career has been far from stable following his debut in 2018.
The three-time England international almost left for Bayern Munich a year later.
And the Germans made an audacious return over the summer with a loan offer leading to a £70million permanent switch.
But despite leaving Hudson-Odoi out of the reckoning for Tottenham, Lampard insists the winger remains a big part of his plans.
The tactician says he’s delighted with the way Hudson-Odoi reacted after informing him he would not be facing Spurs.
And the youngster is now set to be rewarded with a place in the team against Sevilla on Wednesday night.
Lampard said: “It was tough and I have tough decisions when we have a fully fit squad like we do now.
“We have elite players who work hard through the week, they’re desperate to play for the club but I have to leave them out.
“I did speak to Callum personally because I want him to feel where he’s at at the minute which is making progression and he’s getting better.
“But there will be other times when other players have to sit out and the conversation will be with other players.
“So he’s back in contention. I want to see him keep that progression going and if there are times when he’s not starting or in the main squad, the main thing is that I want him to stay positive and I suppose that is part of my job to have that communication level.
“His reaction to me saying that to him was great, his reaction in training has been great and I’m sure he’ll show that again when he plays.”
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
