Frank Lampard admits it was ‘difficult’ to tell Callum Hudson-Odoi that he wouldn’t be in the squad to face Tottenham despite starring against Rennes and Newcastle… but reveals he’s back in contention to face Sevilla in their Champions League clash
- Frank Lampard admits it was ‘difficult’ leaving Hudson-Odoi out of Spurs clash
- The 20-year-old has been in fine form as of late but was left out of Sunday’s team
- Lampard revealed the winger took the decision well before his side drew 0-0
- However, the Chelsea boss revealed Hudson-Odoi could feature against Sevilla
Frank Lampard has admitted it was difficult to tell Callum Hudson-Odoi that he would play no part in Chelsea‘s clash with Tottenham despite his good run of form.
Hudson-Odoi has impressed since making his way back into the team in recent weeks, having scored the opening goal in Chelsea’s 2-1 win over Rennes before making a cameo role in the win over Newcastle.
He looked set to feature in Sunday’s derby but Lampard had to tell him that he would not be in the squad against Spurs, which ended in a goalless stalemate at Stamford Bridge.
Frank Lampard (right) has admitted it was ‘difficult’ telling Callum Hudson-Odoi (left) that he wasn’t in the squad to face Tottenham on Sunday
Lampard decided to leave the winger out of the squad despite his fine form in recent weeks
And while it was a blow for the 20-year-old, Lampard insists he is back in contention to face Sevilla in the Champions League on Wednesday evening.
‘It was difficult to tell him that he wasn’t in the Spurs squad as his attitude has been bang on,’ Lampard said in his press conference on Tuesday.
‘He was bright against Rennes and Newcastle. He is getting better and is back in contention and I want him to keep that going. I want him to stay positive.
‘I am aware of Callum and where he is at, he took it well but it wasn’t and easy conversation. I am not worried about the noise around it, I just have to pick the right squad. I have to work with him positively.
The 20-year-old scored the opening goal in Chelsea’s 2-1 win over Rennes last month
Lampard has been impressed by Hudson-Odoi’s attitude and says he could play against Sevilla
‘I can relate to it because we all have steps on the ladder. He got into the team and there was a lot of talk around him and he got a bad injury.
‘Now time and work have shown that he’s back and then you have to appreciate he is developing.
‘I have to see the bigger picture and he is hopefully going to have hundreds of games ahead of him. We have a big squad, it has to be a strength and not a weakness.’