Chelsea vs Valencia: Antonio Rudiger ruled out injured of Champions League opener

The Blues are back in the Champions League after a year out, where they won the Europa League

Antonio Rudiger will be out injured for Chelsea’s Champions League opener against Valencia on Tuesday.

The German defender returned from a spell out on Saturday in the 5-2 victory over Wolves, but Frank Lampard has revealed he has tweaked his groin.

“Toni is injured,” said the Blues boss ahead of his first European match in charge. “He was bothered by a small groin problem he’s been carrying so he’s out and he’ll have a scan.”

Rudiger joins Callum Hudson Odoi and N’Golo Kante on the sidelines, but Lampard insists the latter two are close to returning and labelled as “fit, but not match fit”.

Lampard was boosted by the impact of Tammy Abraham at the weekend, with the young striker scoring a hat-trick to take himself to seven Premier League goals for the season.

The 21-year-old will shake off a slight knock from Saturday to make his Champions League debut for the Blues and Lampard's faith in him has never waivered.

“I never had clear expectations for him apart from the fact that I believed in him and trusted him,” Lampard added.

Tammy Abraham picked up the match ball after his hat-trick on Saturday vs Wolves (Getty) (Getty Images)

“I know a lot was made of the (transfer) ban giving opportunities for young players. But I thought now was his time.”

Olivier Giroud, Christian Pulisic, Pedro and Kurt Zouma could come into the line-up as Lampard rotates.

Callum Hudson-Odoi is back training (AFP/Getty)

While there will be a decision to make over the system after switching to a back three against Wolves.