Chelsea Football Club News

• Nickname:Blues
• Founded:1905
• Manager:Roberto Di Matteo

• Ground:Stamford Bridge
• Capacity:42,440

Blues confirm Lampard blow

27 Dec 2007 - 17:50:03

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Chelsea have confirmed that Frank Lampard faces 'a few weeks' on the sidelines after the midfielder sustained a thigh injury in the first half of the amazing Boxing Day draw with Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge.

The England international had to be replaced by Michael Ballack in the 26th minute of the clash against Martin O'Neill's side that eventually ended 4-4.

A brief statement on the Blues' official website read: "Scans today have revealed a tear in Frank Lampard's right thigh.

"The tear is not in the same leg that Frank injured earlier this season.

"He will begin his rehabilitation immediately and we hope to have him back playing within a few weeks."

Chelsea boss Avram Grant had said after the eight-goal thriller: "We can't give a diagnosis on Frank Lampard yet, we'll wait and see.

"Frank was not happy about coming off because he likes playing, even in training games. We need to wait for an update."

Lampard's absence is a further blow to Grant who will be without several players next month when the African Cup of Nations starts.

In addition, Ashley Cole and Ricardo Carvalho will be suspended after they were dismissed against Villa while John Terry's metatarsal injury means he continues to be unavailable.