Florent Malouda to remain a Chelsea outcast under Rafa Benitez

Florent Malouda still faces being frozen out of Chelsea despite the arrival of new manager Rafa Benitez.

Malouda was told under previous manager Roberto Di Matteo that he was no longer part of the club's plans and was even forced to train with the youth team and Under 21s.

He must have hoped the arrival of a different boss would change things - but Malouda was not even in the squad for Sunday's goalless draw against Man City and Benitez gave a blunt 'no' when asked if he would be selected.

It means the French winger, 32, will definitely leave in January if anyone comes in for him.

His former club Lyon remain favourites but Malouda will need to accept a wage cut to make the deal happen - he is currently on an estimated £80,000-a-week.

Malouda hasn't played for Chelsea since coming on as a substitute in the Champions League Final in May and he has a year remaining on his current contract.