Rudiger Chelsea future uncertain after cup omission

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Rudiger hasn’t featured in either of Chelsea’s opening two Premier League matches this season

Last Updated: 23/09/20 7:37pm

Antonio Rudiger was left out of Chelsea's squad to face Barnsley in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday Antonio Rudiger was left out of Chelsea's squad to face Barnsley in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday

Antonio Rudiger was left out of Chelsea’s squad to face Barnsley in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday

Antonio Rudiger’s Chelsea future has been cast into further doubt after the defender was left out of Frank Lampard’s squad for Wednesday’s Carabao Cup match against Barnsley.

Rudiger was an unused substitute for Chelsea’s Premier League opener at Brighton, before being completely left out of Lampard’s matchday squad to face Liverpool on Sunday.

Players who have missed out on significant minutes during those games – such as Callum Hudson-Odoi – are expected to be given a chance against Championship side Barnsley, but Rudiger’s omission would appear to indicate he is not in Lampard’s current plans for the new campaign.

There is fierce competition for centre-back places at Stamford Bridge after the summer signing of Thiago Silva from Paris Saint-Germain. The Brazilian, who will make his debut against Barnsley, was added to a squad that already included Kurt Zouma, Andreas Christensen and Fikayo Tomori, along with club captain Cesar Azpilicueta, who has often been used on the right of a back three.

Rudiger started both of Germany's Nations League matches earlier in September Rudiger started both of Germany's Nations League matches earlier in September

Rudiger started both of Germany’s Nations League matches earlier in September

Rudiger, who has suffered significant knee and groin injuries since joining Chelsea from Roma in 2017, would appear to be fully fit, having played all 90 minutes in each of Germany’s Nations League matches earlier this month.

The 27-year-old was already understood to be considering his future, and the possibility of a loan move, with first-team football of vital importance to him with the rescheduled European Championships to come next summer.

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However, with less than two years left on Rudiger’s contract, Chelsea may prefer he leaves on a permanent deal, but are said to be keen to avoid selling him to a Premier League rival.

When asked in his pre-match press conference if Rudiger could leave, Lampard said: “I’m going to skirt around that question. It remains to be seen.

Chelsea boss Frank Lampard says he wants to have the 'strongest squad' possible available to him this season Chelsea boss Frank Lampard says he wants to have the 'strongest squad' possible available to him this season

Chelsea boss Frank Lampard says he wants to have the ‘strongest squad’ possible available to him this season

“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.

“My priority will always be making sure I maintain and keep the strongest squad I can for this club but after that of course the individual conversations will happen within that.

“I will try and make sure I go into the season once the window shuts with the squad that I feel is healthy and competitive in a healthy way.”

Summer transfer window – key dates and times

The summer transfer window closes at 11pm on Monday October 5 with a feast of activity lined up on Transfer Deadline Day on Sky Sports News and across our Sky Sports platforms.

A domestic-only window for deals between the Premier League and EFL then runs from October 5 and closes on Friday October 16 at 5pm. Follow all the news and analysis on SSN and across Sky Sports‘ digital platforms, including with our dedicated Transfer Centre blog.

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