Lampard on Norwich, new Kante injury, Hudson-Odoi latest, Pedro missing training and possible exits

Frank Lampard spoke about a number of issues at a news conference on Friday ahead of this weekend’s match against Norwich. Here’s some of what the Blues boss had to say.

On N’Golo Kante and Antonio Rudiger

“N’Golo Kante has got an injury that he’s carried all week. We’re going to assess that over the next 24 hours and see if he’s fit. It’s an ankle sprain.

“Rudiger’s not fit yet. Hopefully for next week.”

On Pedro missing training

“We had a busy week, with three games, of which Pedro contributed a lot physically and he had a couple of small aches.

“It was nothing, but as a precaution we took him out for a couple of days and he’s trained the last two days.”

On Callum Hudson-Odoi

“Callum’s training and he’s looking bright and sharp. We’re in the zone now where it’s more about protecting him, getting the conditioning and fitness, particularly in the area of the injury. He’s had quite a long time out.

“It’s the same with Rudiger, where we have to be a bit careful. The international break comes at quite a good time for us, and with Reece James.

“They’re all in a position where I hope two or three weeks of strong training will put them right in the frame to be back in the squad and available.”

On Hudson-Odoi’s contract talks

“No update at all. I laid my cards on the table with it quite a while ago and said it’s between him and the club.”

On Michy Batshuayi

“We need Michy. We need the competition up front with the strikers we have.”

On Batshuayi scoring twice for Chelsea’s development side

“I thought it was a good performance in that Michy got the fitness work he needed out of the game.

“He scored two good goals – two very good finishes. I thought he worked hard and that’s exactly what the game was there for. So, very good for him.

“In terms of the performance of the team, I thought it was really good. There were some outstanding performances from some of the young players and that’s really good to see.”

On whether other fringe players could leave

“We’ll see. Nothing is clear at the moment.

“They are all our players and I’m happy with the squad. As it stands no one is leaving.

“We can’t bring players in so we have to be careful with the squad.”

On the importance of the Norwich game

“It’s as important as all of them. Everyone was talking the game against Leicester up in that way last week.

“This is the Premier League. You can’t disrespect any team and say it’s a must-win or we’ll (just) turn up to win, because every game is very difficult.

“We want to win it of course. We must remain confident because our performances have been good in major parts of the games.

“We go to Norwich wanting to win the game but also very respectful of a team that were on the wrong side of a defeat that wasn’t the story of the game against Liverpool and played very well against Newcastle.

“And I know them from the Championship last year, which is helpful in preparation but also makes me aware of the dangers.”

On Mason Mount

“It’s not easy to be thrown into the Premier League and the attention that comes with it. He’s handled it brilliantly.

“It’s early days for Mason but in terms of character he’s right up there. He’s got the hunger, he’s got the desire and he’s also got the humility.

“If he performs like has at the start of the season then he’s going to be a big player for us. With that comes a lot of attention and things he’ll have to deal with.”