Report – Why this young Chelsea starlet missed out on Tottenham clash

Callum Hudson-Odoi missed out against Tottenham due to a tactical change by Lampard

According to a report by Football.london, the reason for Callum Hudson-Odoi missing the 0-0 draw against Tottenham Hotspur was a tactical change by manager Frank Lampard.

Callum Hudson-Odoi was a shock absentee from Lampard’s 18-man matchday squad ahead of the top-of-the-table clash against Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

The young English winger had impressed with his performance last week against French side Stade Rennais in the UEFA Champions League group stage fixture. He opened the scoring in a match which Chelsea won in added time, thanks to a winner from Olivier Giroud.

Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi celebrating a goal against Stade Rennais in the Champions League this season. (GETTY Images)
Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi celebrating a goal against Stade Rennais in the Champions League this season. (GETTY Images)

However, the reason for Callum Hudson-Odoi not being included in the matchday squad on Sunday was the return of American winger Christian Pulisic from injury. Pulisic suffered from a series of knocks earlier this season but was fit to be named on Lampard’s bench. (h/t Football.London)

The ex-Borussia Dortmund winger was subbed on in the 74th minute for German striker Timo Werner but failed to make any tangible impact as the Blues were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw at the Bridge. The result means Chelsea remain 3rd in the table, just two points behind yesterday’s visitors.

The 20-year-old prodigal winger has featured in 11 games in all competitions for Chelsea this season, but only 5 of them have been starts. He has scored twice in that time and continues to be one of the brightest young talents housed by Chelsea.

Hudson-Odoi has 2 goals this season in 11 appearances for the Blues. (GETTY Images)
Hudson-Odoi has 2 goals this season in 11 appearances for the Blues. (GETTY Images)

Hudson-Odoi would be hoping for his 3rd Champions League start this season as group leaders Chelsea travel to Sevilla on Wednesday. A repeat of the Blues’ result against Stade Rennais would see Lampard’s men qualify to the knockout stages as group winners.