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Frank Lampard praised Callum Hudson-Odoi’s display in Chelsea’s 4-0 victory over Krasnodar and played down fears over the forward’s fitness after he was pictured with ice strapping around his thigh in the second half.
Hudson-Odoi was handed a rare start in Wednesday evening’s Champions League Group E clash and the 19-year-old England international seized his opportunity, scoring the visitors’ opening goal just before half-time.
A flurry of late goals from Timo Werner, Hakim Ziyech and Christian Pulisic put the Blues out of sight to secure Lampard’s men their first win in the competition but there were concerns surrounding a possible injury to Hudson-Odoi, who was replaced in the 71st minute.
But Lampard is hopeful Hudson-Odoi’s problem is not overly severe despite the youngster appearing in some discomfort in the Chelsea dugout.
‘In terms of his injury, it hasn’t been flagged to me after the match that there’s a problem,’ he said when asked about Hudson-Odoi’s fitness.
‘I hope and assume that there’s nothing wrong and I’m just pleased he had a good evening.’
Lampard hopes Hudson-Odoi is buoyed by his impressive performance and uses it as a platform to build upon ahead of a busy few weeks for the west London club.
‘I think the goal is clearly going to be good for his confidence,’ the Chelsea head coach said.
‘There were things I liked in his game today, his desire to run behind the defence. Sometimes one-vs-one it didn’t quite go his way.
‘But I’m very pleased because when you’re playing in the Champions League and you get your goal, I know the feeling of confidence it can give him.’
Lampard insists he has no issue with Jorginho’s method of taking penalties after the midfielder fluffed his chance to break the deadlock from the spot in the first half.
‘Jorginho has been incredibly successful from his penalties,’ he said.
‘When you take that many there will be periods when you miss one or two.
‘No problem with his style of taking them.
‘Timo, I know is very capable. We have other players. We’ll talk about how we move forward.’
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