Frank Lampard explains Antonio Rudiger absence against Liverpool

Chelsea boss Frank Lampard has revealed that Antonio Rudiger was not injured and was simply left out of the squad to face Liverpool in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.

The Germany international was on the bench for his side's 3-1 win over Brighton & Hove Albion on September 14 but was not included in the clash with the Premier League champions at Stamford Bridge.

Lampard explained after the match the reason for the 27-year-old's absence, which has sparked rumours that the defender could leave the London club before the end of this summer's transfer window.

"We have five centre-halves at the club and I can't pick a squad that has three of them on the bench," Lampard told reporters. "That is the way it is, I have to pick a squad via training and situations and that was the selection today."

Andreas Christensen was sent off in the latter stages of the first half against Jurgen Klopp's side, which led to Fikayo Tomori being introduced for Kai Havertz at the interval.

Chelsea signed Thiago Silva on a free transfer earlier this summer, but the experienced centre-back is yet to represent his new club due to fitness issues.