Injury casts doubt on Lampard for Euros

Veteran England midfielder Frank Lampard’s participation in Euro 2012 is in doubt.

Lampard was forced out of training on Wednesday with a thigh injury, a problem that England’s doctors will assess on Thursday before making a decision on his fitness for the tournament in Poland and Ukraine.

Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson has already been notified of the injury and put on standby.

“Frank Lampard has today (Wednesday) pulled up in training with a thigh injury,” the FA confirmed.

“He will have a scan and be assessed by the England medical team tomorrow (Thursday).

“Jordan Henderson has been put on standby notice as cover whilst Lampard continues to be monitored.”

Lampard, who won the Champions League with Chelsea this season, has played in every one of England’s games at international tournaments since 2002.

He was named in the the final 23-man squad for the Euros when it was submitted to UEFA on Tuesday, but players can be still be substituted before the tournament’s start as long as an independent examination from a UEFA doctor confirms that a player is too injured to play.

England are due to face Belgium at Wembley in their final friendly before the tournament begins. Their first game of the group stage is against France on June 11.

England manager Roy Hodgson has already been forced to make one late amendment to his squad, after Gareth Barry was ruled out of the tournament with a stomach tear.

Henderson had been expected to replace the Manchester City midfielder, but Hodgson opted instead to bolster his defensive ranks with the versatile Phil Jagielka.

Barry’s withdrawal came after third-choice goalkeeper John Ruddy was also forced out after breaking his finger.

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/injury-casts-doubt-on-lampard-for-euros/95529/

Lampard welcomes Hazard to Chelsea

Frank Lampard is excited about Eden Hazard’s transfer to Chelsea even before the move has been confirmed.

Lampard has admitted he has not seen much of the Belgian 21-year-old’s skills on the pitch but is still keen to see him in the blue shirt of Chelsea next season.

“It’s very exciting to hear the news,” Lampard said.

“I haven’t seen so much of him in French football but from everyone I speak to, who does play with him, we’ve been asking about him because he’s been so under the radar for a while, he’s a top player.

“A very, very top young player. If he can bring that youth and hunger and ability into our team, then he’ll be very welcome.”

The Chelsea midfield veteran should get a good look at Hazard on Saturday when England host Belgium at Wembley Stadium.

Lampard believes Belgium will provide the perfect final warm-up match for Euro 2012.

The likes of Vincent Kompany, Jan Vertonghen and Marouanne Fellaini should play for Belgium on Saturday.

“I think they’re a very good team,” Lampard said.

“We were just talking at lunch about their quality players they have now.

“Belgium were not always maybe in recent years seen as one of the top nations but when you think of the quality players playing in England and around Europe at the moment in the team, then they’re going to be a very tough game.”

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/lampard-welcomes-hazard-to-chelsea/95528/