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'I wasn't criticising Conte' - Rudiger thinks Chelsea absence down to misunderstanding

The centre-back feels he was left out of the squad recently because his manager misinterpreted recent comments

Antonio Rudiger believes Antonio Conte mistook the defender's recent comments as a personal criticism, leading to him being dropped from the Chelsea squad.

The centre-back was left out of Saturday's 3-2 win over Southampton because he questioned the Blues' inability to hold on to a lead in the wake of their previous draw with West Ham.

It is understood the Germany international will not be rested for Thursday's trip to Burnley or Sunday's FA Cup game against Southampton.