Frank Lampard has heaped praises on Callum Hudson-Odoi for his display in Chelsea’s 4-0 win over Krasnodar and played down fears over his fitness after he was seen with ice strapping around his thigh in the second half.
Hudson-Odoi was handed a start in Wednesday’s Champions League game and the 19-year-old seized his opportunity, scoring the opening goal of the game just before half-time.
Chelsea were able to secure their first win in the competition but there were concerns surrounding an injury to Hudson-Odoi, who had to be replaced in the 71st minute.
But Lampard is hopeful Hudson-Odoi’s problem is not severe despite the winger appearing in some discomfort in the blues dugout.
‘In terms of his injury, it hasn’t been flagged to me after the match that there’s a problem,’ the Chelsea boss said when asked about Hudson-Odoi’s fitness.
‘I hope and assume that there’s nothing wrong and I’m just pleased he had a good evening.’
Lampard hopes Hudson-Odoi is buoyed by his impressive display and uses it as a platform to build upon ahead of a congested fixtures for the London club.
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‘I think the goal is clearly going to be good for his confidence,’ he said. ‘There were things I liked in his game today, his desire to run behind the defence. Sometimes one-vs-one it didn’t quite go his way.
‘But I’m very pleased because when you’re playing in the Champions League and you get your goal, I know the feeling of confidence it can give him.’
On Jorginho’s penalty miss: Lampard said: ‘Jorginho has been incredibly successful from his penalties. When you take that many there will be periods when you miss one or two.
