Hi °C | Lo °C There were fears last night that Frank Lampard could be facing six weeks out of action after he injured a thigh during an England training session yesterday in the Middle East ahead of tomorrow’s friendly against Brazil.
The Chelsea midfielder flew back to London for further treatment on an injury that will cause major problems for his club.
The 31-year-old is a crucial element of Carlo Ancelotti's team and questions will once again be asked about the wisdom of a seven-hour flight to play an international friendly in the middle of a busy month for club sides.
Lampard has enjoyed one of the most injury-free careers of any player in the modern era although he did suffer from a thigh injury in the 2007-2008 season. Immediately after the injury it was hoped that he would still be able to play for Chelsea in their Premier League game against Wolves a week tomorrow but that is now out of the question.
He is also set to miss the key league match against Arsenal on November 29.
Meanwhile, just 10 days after wife Coleen gave birth to their first son, Kai, Wayne Rooney headed out to Doha for England's high-profile friendly.
Fabio Capello has already received a number of call-offs from senior men, including David Beckham, Steven Gerrard and Rooney's Manchester United team-mate Rio Ferdinand, and presumably would not have minded too much if Rooney had followed suit.
But the 24-year-old did not have any intention of pulling out.
In fact, he was in action for United just 24 hours after Kai's birth — and was disappointed only to be a substitute in the 3-3 Champions League draw with CSKA Moscow.
“I don't feel any different and nothing really changes for me. I just want to play,” said Rooney.
“I went and spoke to the manager on Tuesday morning and asked him if I could play because I would rather do that than sit on the bench.
“I thought I was going to play too. I only found out just before the game that I was on the bench.”
With so many players missing, it is pretty certain Rooney will not be on the bench this weekend.
Having missed out on playing the world's most popular team when they came to open the new Wembley two years ago, Rooney does not want to miss another opportunity given the legends he has grown up watching, just like every other football-mad kid in the country.
“Romario and Ronaldo are the ones I remember most,” he said.
“Ronaldo was one of the best, if not the best, forward ever.
“When he was at Barcelona, the things he did were incredible. In later years it was Ronaldinho and Kaka, who have both been world player of the year.
“When you look at the players they have had at various times it is unbelievable and I have always wanted to play against them.
“As a football fan, you grow up enjoying watching them play.”
