Roberto Di Matteo insisted Frank Lampard still has a major role to play for Chelsea.
Lampard has found himself on the bench in the last few games for the Blues, with the experienced midfielder a unused substitute in Chelsea's 2-1 win over Arsenal.
Di Matteo, however is convinced the veteran is vital to the team's plans hinting he might play Lampard in 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 said Lampard had not been given specific instructions to stop making forward runs, despite playing in a deeper holding role this season, due to the presence of the likes of Eden Hazard, Oscar, Juan Mata and Marko Marin in advanced positions.
"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."
Di Matteo admitted nothing short of three points will do against Nordsjaelland. "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."
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