Chelsea FC vs Man Utd: No need to speak to Hudson-Odoi over diving booking – Lampard

Posted Wednesday, October 30, 2019 by PA

Chelsea boss Frank Lampard insists there has been no need to speak to Callum Hudson-Odoi in the wake of his controversial yellow card for diving at Burnley.

Blues forward Hudson-Odoi was initially awarded a penalty for going down in the box during the 4-2 win at Turf Moor, before being booked for simulation after the decision was overturned by VAR.

Lampard, however, is adamant the 18-year-old England international did not dive.

“I’ve said nothing. I didn’t feel the need to,” replied Lampard when asked what he had said to Hudson-Odoi.

“I asked him on the day of the game, straight afterwards, after my press, he said he got a touch.

“Clearly when you see it back from behind he gets a hand on his back. I know it’s light.”

Chelsea’s weekend win in the north-west secured a seventh successive victory in all competitions.

The Blues will bid to extend that streak when Manchester United visit Stamford Bridge in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup.

Lampard’s reign began with a 4-0 thumping at Old Trafford in August, but he feels that result will have little bearing on Wednesday evening’s cup tie or his team talk.

“I’ve said nothing about that, it feels like a million miles away, gone,” said Lampard.

“I’m not disregarding it, when you play against a top team like Manchester United with top players they can hurt you in moments and they did it to us four times in a game we performed pretty well in.

“I don’t think the context of that is going to be hugely relevant tomorrow night.”

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is confident Fred can continue to deputise for Paul Pogba, with the French midfielder expected to be out until December due to an ankle injury.

Solskjaer has backed the Brazilian, who has started all three of United’s Premier League fixtures in Pogba’s absence, to enjoy a run in the first team, while Andreas Pereira is also an option.

The Norwegian said: “Fred will probably take Paul’s position for a while now.

“That’s been brilliant for us, but Andreas has grown in the last few games. His energy and chasing and running… he’s a different sort of (player) but he can play also in the central positions.

“There’s no use talking about who’s not going to be here for a long, long time because he’s not going to come on the pitch and help us until he’s fit.”

Solskjaer also hinted in his press conference that James Garner and Williams could be named in the squad for Wednesday’s clash.