Lampard out for three more weeks

Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard faces another two to three weeks on the sidelines after suffering an adductor muscle injury during training on Thursday, his manager Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed.

Lampard, 32, has already been sidelined for two months this season after hernia surgery.

Lampard’s injury adds to Ancelotti’s selection headache ahead of Chelsea’s clash against Sunderland on Sunday with Michael Essien hit with a three-match suspension and Alex still sidelined.

“Frank is not fit,” Ancelotti said. “He had a problem during the session. He had done a fantastic session yesterday but then had an abductor problem. We have to wait for him.

“I think he will be out for three weeks, until December. It is not what we wanted because we hoped to use him with Michael Essien suspended, but now we cannot.

“Frank had a problem with his adductor. He does not need surgery.”