To be honest when news first broke on Frank Lampard’s withdrawal from the England squad in Quatar, I thought little of it. It seemed for all the world as a precautionary measure to protect one of England’s key men as an act of goodwill to Chelsea. Frank will surely be back available for the Wolves game in gameweek 13 – no problem. Now I’m not so sure.
The latest reports are suggesting that Lampard had a scan whilst in Doha yesterday which revealed damage to the thigh that could lead to an absence of two months. Those rumours are now being played down, although the report in the Times this evening suggests that the Chelsea man could face up to a month out.
Lampard has flown home and is due to be examined by Chelsea’s medical staff tomorrow. We should therefore get some confirmation on the extent of the injury in the next 24 hours. Lampard has had thigh problems before, so it is a potential weak spot. Should he face a prolonged spell out of the side, it would obviously lead to heavy sales, a Fantasy Premier League price drop and and opportunities for the likes of Joe Cole, Malouda and Kalou to earn more starts.