Frank Lampard implied that Callum Hudson-Odoi could start against Aston Villa after a brilliant second-half display against Arsenal.
Chelsea still lost 3-1 in the end, but they certainly looked better going forward after the 20-year-old came on as a substitute at half time.
He also created Chelsea’s only goal in the game after his cross found Tammy Abraham in front of the goal.
It was the England international’s first appearance following a recovery from a hamstring injury.
And Lampard seems to be convinced that the winger is ready for more minutes ahead of Monday’s clash against Aston Villa.
“Callum was fantastic with his energy,” Lampard told Chelsea TV after the game.
“That’s what we needed and why he will play in the next game.
“If Callum plays like that, then he can be a really serious player.”
Timo Werner to be dropped?
Should Hudson-Odoi start against Villa, Timo Werner could likely lose his place in the starting line-up.
The Germany international has started in every Premier League games Chelsea have played so far but recently found himself struggling in front of the goal.
Lampard was clearly unhappy with Werner’s first-half performance before taking him off at half-time.
“Timo today wasn’t giving us enough with or without the ball,” Lampard said in his post-match interview (via Chelsea’s official website).
“Some of it we have to give him time because it is a different league but also we have to get there quickly, so we’ll see about his tiredness.
“I will have a conversation with him but it was a decision I just felt I had to make.”
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