Chelsea’s Frank Lampard set to return against Liverpool

Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti expects Frank Lampard to return to action against Liverpool this Sunday.

The 32-year-old England midfielder has missed 11 games after picking up a groin injury against Stoke in August. Chelsea have won nine of those matches but his return will provide a welcome boost ahead of a difficult trip to Anfield.

It had been suggested the former West Ham midfielder could feature for the blues against CSKA Moscow on Wednesday but Ancelotti dismissed the possibility of a midweek comeback.

“Lampard started training with the team last week,” said Ancelotti. “I don’t think he will be ready for Wednesday but for the next game in the Premier League against Liverpool.”

“I hope he will come back quickly because we need to have this kind of player – he is a fantastic player.

“Now the team without Lampard is doing very well. But when he comes back I think we will have him straight into the team.

The former AC Milan boss added: “We have a lot of games, we have a game every three days and all the players will be involved.”