Di Matteo: Lampard is still in my plans

Roberto Di Matteo last night insisted Frank Lampard’s Chelsea future was “very strong”, despite renewed speculation over whether the midfielder’s glittering Stamford Bridge career might be drawing to a close.

Saturday’s 2-1 Premier League win at Arsenal was the third successive match in which Lampard was not in the European champions’ XI, with Ramires selected alongside John Obi Mikel in central midfield.

Lampard admittedly was injured for Tuesday’s Carling Cup thrashing of Wolves, but his omission at the Emirates Stadium suggested the 34-year-old could start fewer big games during the final year of his current contract.