Antonio Rudiger's Chelsea future in doubt?

Antonio Rudiger's omission from the Chelsea squad which faced Liverpool on Sunday afternoon has allegedly left his future in some doubt.

The Germany international, who was inconsistent during Frank Lampard's first season in charge, was only selected on the substitutes' bench for their opening top-flight fixture against Brighton & Hove Albion.

Despite not making it onto the pitch at the Amex Stadium, the 27-year-old was replaced by Fikayo Tomori for the meeting with the Premier League champions.

According to the Daily Mail, the demotion to the stands may indicate that Chelsea are prepared to offload Rudiger before the end of the summer transfer window.

The Blues realistically need to make a number of sales if they wish to make another significant addition to their backline over the next two weeks.

Although Tomori has been linked with a move away from Chelsea, the academy graduate's performance against Liverpool may encourage Lampard to retain his services.