Gary Neville insists Frank Lampard is forcing Jorginho out of Chelsea as he shapes his team ahead of the end of his first season in charge at Stamford Bridge.
The Italy midfielder was overlooked entirely in Chelsea’s first five games since the Premier League restart until Tuesday’s victory over Crystal Palace.
Jorginho was sent on as a substitute with 10 minutes remaining at Selhurst Park for his first action since facing Liverpool in the FA Cup on 3 March.
And Neville believes there is a clear plan from Lampard to push Jorginho towards the exit, despite N’Golo Kante’s recent injury.
“You have to think that he is being managed out of Stamford Bridge,” Neville said on Sky Sports.
“I think it’s been clear from the moment Frank Lampard came in that he wants to build a young and hungry squad.
“Look at the way David Luiz was let go. With the way Jorginho has been dealt with, it’s quite clear where Lampard wants to take the team.
“When you think of Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp over the last few years, they don’t veer away from the plan for any player.
“Frank Lampard has got a clear plan.”
Lampard must now decide whether to persist with youngster Billy Gilmour at the base of the midfield, with Kante’s fitness still in doubt.
After claiming third place on Tuesday thanks to Leicester’s draw with Arsenal, the Blues travel to Sheffield United with four games remaining in the race to finish inside the top four.
