Chelsea manager Frank Lampard has dismissed the prospect of Christian Pulisic leaving on loan during the winter transfer window. The United States international has witnessed a tough beginning to his Blues career and he has recently been on the bench with Lampard preferring the likes of Willian, Pedro, Callum Hudson-Odoi, and Mason Mount ahead of him in the pecking order.

As a result, there has been the speculation that Pulisic could be loaned back to former club Borussia Dortmund at the turn of the year but Lampard has refuted those claims by citing that he sees the big picture with Pulisic, he told reporters: “No. With Christian he’s come to us in a big move, let’s make no mistake about it, and then he’s just turned 21 recently, and we’ve got a competitive squad here.

“Huge credit to him for coming through at Dortmund at a young age, but then it brings other difficulties where sometimes you’re out of the team. You come to Chelsea and it’s a similar situation. The demands are huge. The interest from outside is huge and he’s a young boy. I have no problem. I see the big picture with Christian and I see it with all the young players.”

Pulisic started the season as a regular starter and he made a good impression during the Super Cup clash against Liverpool, where he contributed an assist. However, he could not sustain the same level of performances during the next few games and that has contributed towards him dropping to the bench.

Pulisic has earned just 10 minutes during the past four league matches and it will be interesting to see whether he can redeem himself with the opportunities offered during the forthcoming round of games. Chelsea return from the international break with a home clash against Newcastle United. Pulisic may have to contend with a cameo off the bench.