Lampard confident Rudiger’s injury woes are over

Boss Frank Lampard says a tailored fitness regime means Antonio Rudiger is ready to start in Chelsea’s vital Champions League match against Lille on Tuesday.

The German defender has played just one first-team game this season – a 45-minute appearance against Wolves – and has had surgery on a pelvic injury, having previously been troubled by a knee problem.

But he is back in the squad for the game at Stamford Bridge, where a win in their final group game would seal Chelsea’s place in the knockout stage.

Lampard admitted it is “potentially difficult” for Rudiger to return.

“But our guard against that was to give him a lot of work” the Blues head coach added. “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.

“He has been training really well. He’s got a lot of his fitness work done, his injury has healed.”

The 26-year-old centre-back’s return is a big boost – especially given a minor injury to Fikayo Tomori who will miss the game against the French side because of what Lampard described as a “tiny strain around the hip area”.

Lampard said Rudiger’s experience and quality means he is capable of stepping straight back in, performing at the highest level and dealing with the expectations of his much-anticipated comeback.

“You can only speak as you look at him, and he looks fit and ready to go, and I know he’s hungry,” said Lampard.

“In terms of building him up, rightly so. He’s a good defender. 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.”

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