Chelsea hope Lampard will be fit for Arsenal
Frank Lampard could be fit for Sunday's blockbuster clash between Chelsea and Arsenal, Carlo Ancelotti says
Thursday, 26, Nov 2009 02:21
By Matthew Champion.
Chelsea's Frank Lampard could be fit for Sunday's blockbuster clash with Arsenal, Carlo Ancelotti has claimed.
The influential midfielder was initially ruled out for three weeks after tearing a thigh muscle while on international duty for England's friendly with Brazil in Doha.
But after undergoing placenta treatment in Serbia the 31-year-old's return to the first team is ahead of schedule.
"Frank Lampard did very good training this morning and tomorrow we he will train with the team," Blues manager Ancelotti said after last night's 1-0 Champions League defeat of Porto.
"We hope he will be fit for Sunday."
As well as last night's win courtesy of a Nicolas Anelka goal that saw Chelsea win their qualification group Lampard has missed the club's 4-0 demolition of Wolves.
But a return to the team for Sunday's trip to the Emirates would be a massive boost to Chelsea's title bid.
The Blues are eight points ahead of the Gunners, albeit having played one more game.
After last night's match at the Estádio do Dragão, Ancelotti was full of praise for goalscorer Anelka, who grabbed his sixth goal of the season.
"Not only in Champions League but in all competitions Anelka is doing a very good season," the Italian said.
"He is a very important player, sometimes playing as a striker close to Drogba, sometimes helping the midfield. His position is very important for our play."
Looking ahead to Sunday's visit to Arsenal, who are missing Robin van Persie, Gael Clichy and Nicolas Bendtner, and have doubts about William Gallas, Ancelotti added: "We know very well that Sunday will be a very difficult match but we know that now is a very good time to play Arsenal."