Frank Lampard has challenged Callum Hudson - Odoi to prove his worth for Chelsea when he gets a rare first- team start in Wednesday ’s League Cup clash against Barnsley.
The Blues boss has confirmed the England winger will make just his second start since February 1 in the match at Stamford Bridge .
The 19 - year -old shot to prominence with both Chelsea and England after making his debut for the club in 2018 , but a ruptured Achilles tendon last year slowed his progress .
Hudson - Odoi has long since shaken off that issue but continues to battle for regular football and Lampard said it “ remains to be seen ” whether he could be loaned out before the transfer window closes on October 5 .
The Chelsea boss said the winger must seize his opportunities while other players were unavailable .
“ At the moment we have Christian Pulisic injured , Hakim Ziyech injured . We played Timo Werner out wide against Liverpool , ” he said . “ But the absolute natural winger who is fit at the minute is Callum .
“ He has to show in every minute , on and off the ball , what he can do for the team and that’ s the position Callum is in at the minute .
“ He ’s had an early breakthrough in his career because of his talent , he ’s had an injury and now I want to see him flourish again.”
Bayern Munich are reportedly keen to sign Hudson -Odoi on loan and Lampard , who has been busy in the transfer market , has not ruled out departures.
Centre- back Toni Rudiger was omitted from Chelsea ’ s squad for Sunday ’ s 2 -0 league loss to Liverpool .
Asked if Rudiger or Hudson - Odoi could leave, even on loan, in the current transfer window , Lampard said : “ I’ m going to skirt around that question ; it remains to be seen . ”
“ 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, ” he added.
“ 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. ”
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