Chelsea v Marseille: Carlo Ancelotti rules Frank Lampard out of Champions League tie

27 September 2010 13:56
Lampard has missed five matches since the operation on August 31 Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti admitted the midfielder needs further rest before he will be ready to return to action. [LNB]That means Lampard is certain to miss the visit of the French champions to Stamford Bridge and this weekend's match against Arsenal. [LNB]Ancelotti also hinted that the 32-year-old, who has been feeling pain from the surgery scar tissue, will be unable to play for England in their next qualifier against Montenegro at Wembley on October 12. [LNB]"He can't play on Tuesday. We need to have more time than we expected for his rest," Ancelotti said. "In a few days there will be an international break and he will be ready for the first game after the break. [LNB]"He didn't play with us so I don't think he is able to play for the national team."[LNB]Lampard's prolonged absence is a further blow to Ancelotti, who is already without Salomon Kalou and Yossi Benayoun due to injuries. [LNB]Brazil's Ramires, a recent signing from Benfica, deputised for Lampard against Manchester City and looked slightly overwhelmed by the pace and power of the match. [LNB]But Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel is adamant his team-mates are coping well with the challenge of filling in for Lampard. [LNB]"I think Frank is an important player for this team. We all know that. Over the years he has shown his consistency," Mikel said. "He is a massive loss but I think we are coping well without him. We have only lost one of the games he has missed. [LNB]"Right now he is injured and we have other players who can do a similar job." [LNB]

Source: Telegraph