Chelsea players were baffled by Maurizio Sarri's refusal to play Callum Hudson-Odoi, reveals Rob Green

England winger has hit the ground running since returning from Achilles injury

Callum Hudson-Odoi has three assists and a goal four games in all competitions so far this season. Getty Images

Former Chelsea goalkeeper Rob Green has revealed that the squad were left baffled by Callum Hudson-Odoi's absence from the team under Maurizio Sarri, after the English winger turned in another superb display in Sunday's 4-1 win over Southampton.

Hudson-Odoi, 18, has registered assists in his past three games as well as scoring in the League Cup win over Grimsby Town since returning from the Achilles injury which ruled him out since April.

The England international looks set for a key role under Chelsea manager Frank Lampard this season – in contrast to his position under predecessor Sarri, who gave Hudson-Odoi just three Premier League starts during the 2018/19 campaign.

"We were in the dressing room last season and the players were saying 'how is he not playing?'," Green told BBC Radio 5 Live.

"He was going out in training and tearing some of the best defenders in the world apart. He was consistently the best in training.

"It was to the point where some of the best players in the world were standing there applauding what he was doing."

Hudson-Odoi's lack of opportunities under Sarri saw him stall over a new long-term contract, with German champions Bayern Munich making it clear they were desperate to take him to the Allianz Arena.

Ultimately, the winger decided to stay and after receiving assurances over his future under Lampard, signed a deal that will keep him at Stamford Bridge until 2024.

"He has got such a brilliant mind and he is so confident. When he goes out there he will try things and he will try it on the biggest stage," said Green, who played alongside Hudson-Odoi last season before retiring.

"You knew from the way he spoke and the way he is around the lads, the way he holds himself and obviously his ability, he is going to be at Chelsea for as long as he wants to be and then, maybe, on to greater things."