Chelsea manager Frank Lampard explains Ethan Ampadu’s absent because he could be going on loan for the season.

The Wales midfielder, 18, was not on the plane for Chelsea’s pre-season tour to Japan and is staying at home to thrash out a temporary move away.

Lampard is a big fan of the player and wanted to sign him on loan for Derby last season, so is hopeful he can play a lot of games somewhere this year.

Aston Villa are reportedly interested in signing Ampadu, who has played 12 times for Chelsea’s first team.

He made his debut in December 2017 and featured five times under Maurizio Sarri last season.

He said: “Ethan is not here as we’re looking at the possibility of his going on loan for the season.

“I tried to sign Ethan on loan at Derby last year, so I’m a big fan, but with the minutes he played last year, I have to think of the bigger picture and the interests of Ethan and of Chelsea.

“The idea that he could play a lot of games somewhere is good for him and we haven’t brought him here while that is up in the air.”

Capped eight times by his country, Ampadu started his career at League Two side Exeter City – making his debut at the age of 15 – before a move to Chelsea in 2017.