Antonio Rudiger is set to finally return to the Chelsea squad for their crucial Champions League game against Lille.
The German has been injured for several months following a knee operation over the summer, and only returned in Chelsea’s 4-2 win over Wolves earlier this season. Within just 45 minutes of that return, Rudiger slipped and damaged his groin, which needed further surgery.
Lampard revealed in his press conference that the 26-year-old is now ready to be named in the squad once again. As reported by the club website, he said: ”It’s good to have him back. He’s been training really well. He’s got a lot of his fitness work done, his injury has healed.”
It has been a long lay-off for Rudiger, and the Chelsea boss was keen to point out that he could struggle initially.
”It will potentially be difficult for him, but our guard against that was to give him a lot of work. We have managed to create some things behind the scenes here in training that look like matchplay, and some pure running as well. He has come through all that.
”People maybe overlook the fact we started the season with five big players all injured for a period of time. You do miss those individuals, so let’s see what he can add to us.”
Lampard will be hoping that the return of Rudiger gives his side a much-needed boost ahead of Tuesday’s crucial game against Lille. The Blues must win to ensure qualification to the last-16. If the German comes into the side, he could help Chelsea put their recent defensive woes behind them and get the job done.
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