Andre Villas-Boas has dismissed speculation that Frank Lampard is being phased out of the Chelsea squad.

The 33-year-old, who has been a permanent fixture of the London side for ten years, has been left out of AVB's lineup for the last several games.

Speaking to reporters ahead of their Champions League game tomorrow, AVB said he was experimenting with different combinations of players at the start of his tenure at Stamford Bridge.

"Frank is a spectacular team player and professional," he said. "I hope he will continue to succeed in this club as long as I am here.

"But whether he plays each game depends on the strategy we want to use. I make choices like any manager does. There is nothing unusual in that. I don't know if it's a better way. I just go on managing my team."

Lampard is not expected to be named as part of AVB's starting lineup to face Valencia in Spain tomorrow night.