The last time that a manager decided to leave Frank Lampard consistently on the bench, he paid for it with his job. But Roberto Di Matteo has stressed the England midfielder is still very much in his plans, despite not starting the last three games.
Lampard missed last Tuesday's League Cup game due to an injury, but has found himself on the bench in the previous two English Premier League games, failing to get a single minute in Saturday's big win against Arsenal.
Lampard has been employed in a holding midfield role alongside John Obi Mikel, whenever he has played this season, and with the position not exactly being the 34-year-old's preferred position, the Englishman has struggled at times. With the likes of Eden Hazard, Juan Mata, Oscar and Marko Marin all available now for the Blues, the chances of Lampard playing in an advanced position are pretty thin.
The future of the Chelsea star, who has won games for the Blues on his own in the past, also remains unclear with the midfielder having under a year remaining on his current deal. Lampard reportedly has only been offered a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Galaxy ready to take him to America.
Di Matteo, however, suggested, Lampard might start Tuesday's champions League game against FC Nordsjaelland. "His future is very strong at this club. He is a very important player for us," Di Matteo said. "I've had conversations with him, which I do on a regular basis.
"I like to exchange opinions and he is very supportive of the team when he is not in it, and when he is in it he is a great performer.
"We're fortunate to have a very strong squad with very good players. Going forward with a busy schedule it's important we can use these players."
The Italian manager also stressed he hasn't asked Lampard to stop his forward runs, despite playing in a much deeper role. "He's been playing that role but I don't think I've ever taken (the forward running) away from him or said he's not allowed to," Di Matteo added.
"It's his strength, but in that role sometimes we need to be disciplined and it's important for the balance of the team. He's played magnificently last season and this season too so there are no concerns about him."
Chelsea will look to pick up their first win of the Champions League this season when they visit Nordsjaelland, and Di Matteo knows the importance of all three points, having thrown away a win against Juventus at home a fortnight back. "For us it's probably the most important game in the group because we drew the first game at home so it's important we gain points away from home," he said.
"For us it's a crucial game and I want the team to be focused. It's going to be a strong team and there might be some changes because we played a very intense game on Saturday. A win would certainly help and that's what we are aiming for.
"We know from the past in the Champions League that there are no easy games, especially away from home. It's very difficult and Nordsjaelland have shown how good they are when they went to Shakhtar and had the majority of possession. They're not afraid to play their football and it's going to be difficult for us. We are probably favourites on paper but we have to show that on the pitch."
