Frank Lampard has confirmed that Ethan Ampadu is set to spend the season on loan after not travelling with the Chelsea squad for their tour of Japan.
The 18-year-old signed from Exeter City two summers ago and has impressed fans during his short time in west London with his combative style and decent performances.
However, despite being kept as part of the first team last season by Maurizio Sarri, he didn't get many minutes under his belt at all, making just two appearances in the FA Cup and three in the Europa League.
Ampadu has also struggled with injuries over the course of the two years, breaking his ankle in his first season and then suffering from a back problem last year.
And while Lampard is a fan of Ampadu's, trying to get him on loan last season at Derby County, he feels it is best for the player to get regular football away from Stamford Bridge for the campaign.
The Blues flew out to Japan yesterday, however the Wales international did not go with the squad as he looks to make the switch for the upcoming season.
"Ethan is not here as we're looking at the possibility of him going on loan for the season," said Lampard.
"I tried to sign Ethan on loan at Derby last year, so I'm a big fan, but with the minutes he played last year, I have to think of the bigger picture and the interests of Ethan and of Chelsea.
"The idea that he could play a lot of games somewhere is good for him and we haven't brought him here while that is up in the air."
Ampadu featured more for Wales last season than he did for Sarri's Chelsea. meaning that he is going to need to get some minutes under his belt.
Chelsea take on Kawasaki Frontale on Friday in Yokohama before facing Barcelona in Saitama on Tuesday.
