Chelsea head coach Frank Lampard has confirmed Antonio Rudiger will undergo a scan on a groin injury on Monday afternoon and is out of Tuesday's Champions League clash with Valencia.
The 26-year-old made his first appearance of the season in Saturday’s 5-2 win at Wolves having recovered from a meniscus problem but was forced off at half-time.
Lampard stated Rudiger has been struggling with a separate injury and the club will learn the full extent of the problem later today.
“Toni is injured,” said Lampard. “He bothered a small groin injury that he has been carrying in the last couple of weeks, at the weekend, so he is out. He will have a scan today to see where he is, hopefully it’s not long term.”
Lampard will also be without Emerson (leg), N’Golo Kante (ankle), Callum Hudson-Odoi and Reece James (both Achilles).
“[Kante, Hudson-Odoi, James] are fit, but not match fit,” he said. “Callum is getting extra work in, along with Reece and they may have another game in the U23s before first team action. N’Golo similarly, not to play in the 23s, but he will have more training to do because the injury has been bothering him a bit.”
Lampard is set to lead Chelsea in Europe’s premier competition for the first time, having won the competition as a player and captain in 2012.
And he said: “I will be proud to do it. I had multiple incredible nights in the Champions League, and some bad ones, but it is the ultimate in club football for me.
“There is something about nights at Stamford Bridge, something about the Champions League music and I want to experience it on this side of the fence. I will be proud to take the team out, of course. But aware of what matters is the results, what matters is starting the group well against tough opposition. I am excited.”
