Chelsea head coach Frank Lampard has explained his decision to restore both Callum Hudson-Odoi and Kai Havertz to the starting line-up for this evening's tussle with Leicester City at the King Power Stadium.
Hudson-Odoi and Havertz were two of four changes Lampard opted to make to his starting line-up following Saturday's 1-0 win over Fulham at Craven Cottage.
Both players were amongst the substitutes against the Cottagers, with Hudson-Odoi stepping off the bench for the final 15 minutes.
However, ringing the changes for this evening's showdown with Brendan Rodgers' in-form Foxes, Lampard opted to restore the England international and Havertz to the starting line-up.
"They deserve to start, Callum, particularly in the starts he has had recently, some in Europe, some in the league, when he's coming on he's effecting games, for me, more than ever," Lampard told Sky Sports. "His speed is there and his confidence is there.
"Kai as well, he's trying. There's clearly an adaptation period for him and Timo [Werner] coming to this league at a young age, particularly with Kai, but he's shown well in training so let's see it again."
Although Chelsea are blessed with attacking options after a memorable summer transfer window last year, Hudson-Odoi has still proven to be integral player within Lampard's plans.
Tonight's clash with Leicester has marked the winger's 18th appearance of the season, with ten of those having come in the Premier League. So far this season, Hudson-Odoi has also proven to be capable of chipping in with the goals, scoring five times in all competitions.
Havertz, on the other hand, will be looking to prove his worth after a slow start to life in England, with the former Bayer Leverkusen star having scored just one goal in the Premier League so far this term.
