Chelsea win over Krasnodar suggests Frank Lampard may change January transfer plan

Chelsea have a few decisions to make heading into the January transfer window.

Posted Thursday, October 29, 2020 by Express.co.uk

Chelsea battled to their first win in the Champions League this season against Krasnodar on Wednesday night and it may hint at a change of plans heading into January. The Blues have endured an indifferent start to the campaign after spending close to £250million on new players in the summer.

Hakim Ziyech, Timo Werner and Kai Havertz are just some of the new signings who have taken time to settle to life at Stamford Bridge.

One player who has made an instant impact though is Thiago Silva.

The 36-year-old was unavailable at the start of the season but he's immediately made Chelsea look like a stronger defensive unit.

Chelsea have kept four clean sheets in the five matches Silva has played so far.

Frank Lampard brought Antonio Rudiger back into the side

His arrival has pushed Antonio Rudiger down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge.

The Germany international hadn't played a single minute for Chelsea this season heading into Wednesday night's game against Krasnodar.

Lampard opted to give Silva a rest for the Champions League tie though and named Rudiger in his starting line-up.

It was long being suggested that Rudiger's future was set to be away from Stamford Bridge in the New Year after falling down to Chelsea's fifth-choice centre-back.

The Blues were willing to listen to offers in the summer, but their asking price wasn't met.

It has been claimed that Chelsea will be once again ready to sell Rudiger when the transfer window reopens in January.

But his inclusion in the squad to face Krasnodar suggests Lampard may still be dependent on the 27-year-old.

While Silva has looked solid at the back for Chelsea with Kurt Zouma seemingly the preferred option alongside him, the Brazilian's age means Lampard has to be careful about his usage.

He won't be able to play every game, particularly with the congested fixture list.

And Rudiger is a more than capable replacement at the back who has bags of experience himself.

The German defender may not get the minutes he once had at Chelsea this season, but the regularity of games means he will be relied upon at some stage.

Chelsea need only look at Liverpool's defensive crisis to know how quickly things can change.