EPL News: Ancelotti Ready to Welcome back Frank Lampard
Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti is hoping that midfielder Frank Lampard will return to full fitness soon, especially after Michael Essien received a red card in last night’s Premier League 1-0 win over Fulham at Stamf8ord Bridge. The Italian
manager is facing a serious injury crisis, having some of his first team players missing and the loss of Essien just adds to his woe.
Essien scored the match winning goal with an excellent header at the half hour mark, but got sent off in the 93rd minute for a two footed tackle of Clint Dempsey. Essien had already received a yellow card earlier
on and received a straight red in injury time; he will face a three match ban unless Ancelotti can successful appeal against the late dismissal.
Lampard has been out of action since August, the midfielder underwent surgery on his hernia and then had tendon problems which have kept him sidelined. However, he has begun training with the squad and Ancelotti said he was confident that
the England international would be fit enough to face Sunderland this Sunday.
Ancelotti told reporters, “I think he'll be okay for Sunday. He started to train two days ago with the team. He doesn't have a problem, is showing confidence. I hope he will be ready, not necessarily to play for
90 minutes but just to be involved in the squad. If he's okay, he can start. I don't think he will be able to play 90 minutes, but he can play part of the game - he can do that.”
According to reports Brazilian defender Alex and forward Nicolas Anelka will also be available for the fixture against Sunderland over the weekend. Alex missed the game against Fulham because of a knee injury, while Anelka had a back problem
because of which he was rested. However, Ancelotti will be glad to welcome both the players back to the squad on Sunday.
Ancelotti has not had his full squad at his disposal, which has affected his side’s performance but they have still managed to maintain their lead at the top. Ancelotti added, “We don't have big injuries. Anelka
and Alex will be able to be involved in the next game. Lampard also. We have just (Yossi) Benayoun at this moment out.”
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