After three-and-a-half months out injured, Chelsea talisman Frank Lampard returned to the substitutes’ bench, and ultimately the pitch, during today’s London derby against Spurs. Whilst his game time was limited to 15 odd minutes it was refreshing to see the midfielders return from a football and Fantasy Football perspective.
Lampard hadn’t played since August when he underwent a hernia operation and then tore a groin muscle during his recovery. At first Chelsea looked able to cope without their goalscoring midfielder but performances have stalled and Chelsea have been looking a team in disarray.
Fans of the Blues will hope that Lampard’s return provides a fillip to the teams performances which during his absence have bordered on tragic. Considering that Chelsea have managed only 1 win in their last 8 matches in all competitions, any boost will be welcomed.
His inclusion on the bench was a surprise and the word from Carlo Ancelotti was that he was going to be short for the massive trip to Spurs;
“No, he’s not fit again. He’s out. I can say this with a smile because he trained well but it will be a very tough game against Tottenham and we didn’t have a test with him in a game.”
Usually Ancelotti is pretty candid and honest with his team selection calls so for Lampard to appear on the bench after these comments was a huge surprise. Was the Italian looking to provide a psychological boost to his players?
Unfortunately for Chelsea Lampard’s presence didn’t provide them with enough to get all three points at White Hart Lane – something they should have collected if it weren’t for Didier Drogba’s late missed penalty. One things for certain the miss from the Ivorian will surely see Frank Lampard back on spot kick duties.
Given the random nature of Fantasy Football this season and the lack of consistency amongst the so called big names and expensive players, the return of Lampard should create a nice differential for those players trying to find a way of clawing back deficits in their respective leagues.
If the midfield man can reach form of seasons past he will surely see his ownership rocket back up to the levels seen at the start of the season and during the past few years. A lot will depend on how Ancelotti eases him back into the team and on how Chelsea’s form improves, but a player who almost certainly guarantee’s goals and assists will be hard to ignore.
