Lampard: Bring on Ronaldo
Frank Lampard says Chelsea unconcerned whether Cristiano Ronaldo plays for Man United in Sunday's Stamford Bridge clash
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Manchester United have got the defence of their Champions League crown off to a disappointing start following a 0-0 draw with Villarreal at Old Trafford. |  |
Thursday, 18, Sep 2008 11:49
Frank Lampard has insisted his Chelsea team-mates are "unconcerned" whether fit-again Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo plays in this weekend's big match at Stamford Bridge.
Ronaldo impressed in a cameo appearance in United's goalless draw against Villarreal in the Champions League last night in his first appearance in a Red Devils shirt since saying he wanted to join Real Madrid and undergoing ankle surgery.
If Chelsea beat Alex Ferguson's team on Sunday they will set up a nine-point gap ahead of their rivals, who are currently languishing in 14th place in the Premier League.
But Lampard, who was on target as Chelsea beat Bordeaux 4-0 in Tuesday's Champions League opener, said the Blues were relishing locking horns with United, with or without their star player.
"I am not too concerned really," he said.
"He is probably the best player in the world after what he did last season, you can't take that away from him, but whether after a few months out they will put him back in, we don't know.
"If they do, we will have to deal with that. It is nice to deal with Man U at their strongest, we wouldn't want them weak."
On Chelsea's chances of getting an early advantaged over the side that beat them to the Premier League and Champions League titles last year, Lampard added: "We are in good shape, we are confident, the team is playing well and we are scoring goals, but we need to make sure we keep our eye on the ball and keep going."