- Antonio Rudiger is reportedly set to return to Chelsea starting XI
- The German had an operation on his knee earlier this year and has missed the last few games last term
- Reports now claim Chelsea boss Lampard is plotting a return for the centre-back after Chelsea defeat
Antonio Rudiger, German defender, could be rushed back from injury by Chelsea after conceding four times in the Premier League opener against Manchester United at Old Trafford.
According to the Metro, Rudiger, who had an operation on his knee earlier this year, seeing him sit out the last few games during the 2018-19 campaign, but was expected to return to action against Wolves by the middle of September.
The German centre-back is not willing to return to action until his knee is fully 100% healed, but Frank Lampard is following his recovery with keen interest as he plans to see him play as soon as possible, according to the Daily Mail.
Lampard thinks highly of the Germany international and repeatedly informed him over the summer that he remains an important part of his plans.
The 4-0 bashing at the hands of Man United did not go down well with Chelsea boss, with Frenchman Kurt Zouma facing a lot of criticism after the trio of Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and debutant Daniel James netted on the night.
Former teammate and assistant coach Gianfranco Zola insists Zouma will find it tough to pin down a spot in the starting XI when Rudiger is fit to play again.
“Certainly Rudiger has got more experience. Kurt Zouma fouled Marcus Rashford for Manchester United’s penalty.
“I think he (Rudiger) has a better understanding with Christensen.
“I believe if they want to play out from the back, Rudiger and Christensen will be more suitable,” Zola was quoted as saying on beIN Sports.
Source: Tuko.co.ke
