Frank Lampard confirms Antonio Rudiger is 'ready' to return against Lille

Frank Lampard has confirmed that Antonio Rudiger is back in his squad for Chelsea’s all-important Champions League clash with Lille on Tuesday.

The Blues looked on course to qualify for the last-16 last month as Christian Pulisic put them in front in Valencia before the Spanish club fought back to salvage a 2-2 draw at the Mestalla.

That result makes it a huge match for Chelsea tomorrow evening and it comes in the wake of the side’s disappointing 3-1 defeat to Everton at Goodison Park.

However, Lampard has been boosted by the return of Rudiger for the crucial Group H encounter at Stamford Bridge.

Rudiger recovered from knee surgery to play 45 minutes against Wolves back in mid-September before suffering separate setback with his groin.

The Germany defender joined up with his team-mates in training at the end of November and is back in contention to make his second appearance of the season.

‘He is in the squad. It is good to have him back,’ Lampard confirmed at his pre-match press conference on Monday afternoon.

‘[Fikayo] Tomori is out, he has had a bit of a hip issue. Olivier [Giroud] is out as well.’

Asked about Rudiger’s return, Lampard added: ‘It’s potentially difficult but we have given him a lot of work.

‘He has come through that and he looks fit and ready to go, I know he is hungry.

‘He is a good defender, you miss those individuals. And then see what he can bring for us.’