Lampard confirms Hudson-Odoi is in contention to make Chelsea first-team return

Chelsea youngster Callum Hudson-Odoi could be in contention for a return to action in the club’s Champions League clash with Valencia.

The winger returned to action with Chelsea’s Under-23s on Friday and is not far off a first-team appearance, Frank Lampard has confirmed.

Could Hudson-Odoi feature vs Valencia? Five things to know…

• Hudson-Odoi ruptured his Achilles tendon against Burnley in April.
• He has been back in training for three weeks and played an hour for the Under-23s on Friday.
• Lampard has confirmed the midfielder is “not far off” a return to first-team action.
• The Valencia clash may come too soon for the youngster given the importance of the game.
• Hudson-Odoi notched four goals and two assists in the Europa League last season.

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Hudson-Odoi is back in training and although a Carabao Cup game appears to be the most likely date for his return, Lampard has hinted the 18-year-old may be able to make a case to feature against Valencia.

Chelsea host the La Liga outfit in the Champions League on Tuesday and Lampard says the midfielder will be considered if he makes suitable progress in training.

“I spoke with him this morning. He’s not far off,” Lampard said following Saturday’s 5-2 victory at Wolves.

“We have to be careful because it was a big injury and what we’ve done is actually got him back out on time but we have to make sure the strength is right in the area because that could lead to other injuries if we go too soon.

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“The way he played [on Friday], I think he’s not far away. He’s been training with us now for two or three weeks. We’ve got the Carabao Cup coming the midweek next and that will maybe be an opportunity to look at players who have been injured or different options.

“In between, if players, if Callum, shows this week how good he is in training I’ll have to consider him probably from now on.”

Chelsea smashed Wolves at the weekend 5-2 to claim their second win of the season and remain unbeaten in their last four Premier League games.

Tammy Abraham netted a hat-trick at Molineux while Mason Mount and Fikayo Tomori grabbed the others. The Blues have notched 11 goals this season, all of which have been scored by academy products.

Chelsea host Valencia on Tuesday evening and then face Liverpool on Sunday in the Premier League.