Antonio Rudiger out of Chelsea squad to face Liverpool despite defensive frailties in mystery axing by Frank Lampard
ANTONIO RUDIGER has been axed completely from Chelsea’s squad to face Liverpool today – deepening the speculation over his future.
The Germany centre-back was demoted from even a bench role, despite the Blues’ defence worries when beating Brighton 3-1 in their Premier League opener.
Kurt Zouma and Andreas Christensen resume their partnership from that clash last Monday – and boss Frank Lampard also has ex-PSG skipper Thiago Silva now available.
Ex-Roma star Rudiger might now feel in limbo, having reportedly helped persuade international team-mates Timo Werner and Kai Havertz to join Chelsea over the summer.
And with the October 5 transfer deadline looming fast, the 27-year-old could be a target for Prem rivals and across Europe’s main leagues.
Just last month, he was linked with Liverpool.
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That followed his struggles in the FA Cup final, where two-goal Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang gave Arsenal a 2-1 comeback win.
And in fact he was dropped for a 4-1 Champions League defeat at Bayern Munich – before failing to earn a recall so far this term.
Reds’ boss Jurgen Klopp has been eyeing defensive cover for Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip after selling Dejan Lovren to Zenit St Petersburg for around £10.9million.