Source: PA
Mixed injury news for Blues
Chelsea have received mixed news on the injury front after Frank Lampard revealed he hopes to return next week and Yossi Benayoun was ruled out for "several months" by Israel.
England midfielder Lampard, 32, has not played for club or country since aggravating a hernia problem in August's 2-0 win against Stoke. He underwent surgery last month and resumed training only to suffer a groin strain.
Lampard has missed Chelsea's last seven games and England's opening two European Championship qualifiers and will also sit out next Tuesday's clash with Montenegro.
He said in the Evening Standard: "I don't really want to set dates but I'm hoping to return after the international break. I've got a good couple of weeks to work with the physios. Hopefully, I won't be too far away.
But summer signing Benayoun could face a lengthy spell on the sidelines due to a ruptured Achilles tendon, according to the Israeli football federation.
"I hope to help the team, but unfortunately this is not a simple injury," Benayoun told his national federation's website, www.football.org.il. "The team and I will cross our fingers. After more tests, I will know exactly what the continuing treatment will be."
