Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that Frank Lampard faces another two to three weeks on the sidelines.
Lampard, 32, has already spent two months out of action after undergoing hernia surgery, and he suffered an abductor muscle injury during training on Thursday.
It compounds Ancelotti’s problems in midfield with Michael Essien starting his three-match suspension against Sunderland on Sunday.
“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.”
He added: “Frank had a problem with his abductor. He does not need surgery.”
