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Chelsea fans found themselves doing a double take when Wednesday’s team to face Krasnador was announced, and defender Antonio Rudiger returned to the team for the first time since defeat in the FA Cup final in early August.
Sportsmail revealed Monday that Frank Lampard was ready to reintegrate Rudiger into his first-team plans after heart-to-heart talks with the central defender.
The German international’s future under Chelsea seemed to be over after he was left out of the squad for six of the club’s first seven games of the season.
However, he has now been given a second chance, starting with Wednesday’s Champions League game in Russia.
Rudiger seemed sure to leave Chelsea in January, with Paris Saint Germain and Tottenham interested in taking him on loan.
But a move never materialized and the 27-year-old stayed at Stamford Bridge and after constructive talks with Lampard, it is understood that he will be involved in first team affairs on a more regular basis.
There was never a problem between coach and player, and with Rudiger remaining at the club until at least January, coach Lampard will now have the former Roma player.
Lampard was satisfied enough with Rudiger’s contribution last week to name him as a substitute in the goalless draw against Manchester United on Saturday.
Source: m.allfootballapp.com
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