Chelsea boss Frank Lampard insists he has plenty of central defensive options even after allowing David Luiz to sign for Arsenal on Thursday.
The Brazilian's second spell at Stamford Bridge came to an abrupt end when he made his unexpected switch to the Gunners but Lampard has made it clear that he did not fall out with the 32-year-old.
Chelsea can be backed at 3/1 to keep a clean sheet against Manchester United on Sunday while they are 12/1 to beat Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's team 2-1 at Old Trafford.
Lampard said: "David Luiz has obviously left and gone to Arsenal. We had some honest conversations over the last week because I know him well and the conclusion of that was he is gone.
"It's an area of the pitch where we have competition. I don't have number ones or twos. They have to fight for that shirt. I wish him the best because he has been a big part of our history.
"There certainly wasn't a strike or fall out so I want to make that clear straight away. I always expected honesty from a manager whatever the news and I think I got that back from David.
"I don't think you can always dictate where a player goes, it depends on the situation. It was close to the deadline and Arsenal wanted him so we had to make a decision as a club."
View all Soccer betting
Chelsea boss Frank Lampard insists he has plenty of central defensive options even after allowing David Luiz to sign for Arsenal on Thursday.
The Brazilian's second spell at Stamford Bridge came to an abrupt end when he made his unexpected switch to the Gunners but Lampard has made it clear that he did not fall out with the 32-year-old.
Chelsea can be backed at 3/1 to keep a clean sheet against Manchester United on Sunday while they are 12/1 to beat Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's team 2-1 at Old Trafford.
Lampard said: "David Luiz has obviously left and gone to Arsenal. We had some honest conversations over the last week because I know him well and the conclusion of that was he is gone.
"It's an area of the pitch where we have competition. I don't have number ones or twos. They have to fight for that shirt. I wish him the best because he has been a big part of our history.
"There certainly wasn't a strike or fall out so I want to make that clear straight away. I always expected honesty from a manager whatever the news and I think I got that back from David.
"I don't think you can always dictate where a player goes, it depends on the situation. It was close to the deadline and Arsenal wanted him so we had to make a decision as a club."
Source: bet365.com