Frank Lampard responds to Antonio Rudiger and Ruben Loftus-Cheek transfer links

Frank Lampard did not give much away when asked about the future of Antonio Rudiger and Ruben Loftus-Cheek at Chelsea after both players were left out of their Carabao Cup win over Barnsley.

Kai Havertz scored a hat-trick and Tammy Abraham, Ross Barkley and Olivier Giroud also got on the scoresheet as the Blues thrashed their Championship opponents 6-0 to set up a fourth round tie with either Tottenham or Leyton Orient.

There was no place in the squad for either defender Rudiger or winger Loftus-Cheek, who are both being linked with a potential move away from Stamford Bridge before the transfer window closes on October 5.

And when asked about the pair after full-time, Lampard said: “They weren’t in the squad and that was just a choice. There may be movement, but don’t read too much in to them not being in the squad. It will have to be right for the club.”

Meanwhile, Lampard was clearly delighted with the impact of Havertz, who up until now had had a somewhat underwhelming start to his Chelsea career.

The Blues boss added: “I am delighted with Kai, it was everything I wanted from him, he had no pre-season.

“It was a great exercise for him, another game to see how we want to work off the ball, but also have freedom on the ball and combinations with Tammy [Abraham]. It’s the first of many great nights for him.”

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Lampard also confirmed Rennes goalkeeper Edouard Mendy will be announced by the club on Thursday after they agreed a £22m fee with the French club.

Chelsea will now turn their attentions back to the Premier League, where they will attempt to get over the disappointment of last weekend’s loss to Liverpool by bouncing back positively in their game against West Brom on Saturday.

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