Frank Lampard will miss key Chelsea and England matches as he continues to recuperate from hernia surgery.
The 32-year-old has not played for his club in a month and Blues manager Carlo Ancelotti confirmed Lampard will miss at least the next two weeks.
That period includes matches against Marseille, Arsenal and England’s Euro 2012 qualifier against Montenegro.
“He can’t play on Tuesday. We need to have more time than we expected for his rest,” said Ancelotti.
“In a few days there will be an international break and he will be ready for the first game after the break.
“He didn’t play with us so I don’t think he is able to play for the national team.”
Lampard returned to training after undergoing the operation on 31 August, but he has been suffering with pain around the scar tissue.
606: DEBATE
I think that someone else should get a chance in that midfield in place of Ramires on Tuesday night, we need some added creativity which a player like Lampard or Yossi bring
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He has already missed both of England’s victories in their Euro 2012 qualifying campaign against Bulgaria and Switzerland earlier this month and will again be absent when Montenegro travel to Wembley on 12 October.
His last appearance for Chelsea was in Chelsea’s 2-0 win over Stoke on 28 August.
Although his absence is a huge blow as Chelsea look to continue their winning start in the Champions League on Tuesday against French side Marseille, midfielder John Obi Mikel believes the defending Premier League champions have sufficient depth in their squad to cover for Lampard.
“There are other players who can do a similar job to Frank but it is a massive loss to the team,” said Nigeria international Mikel.
“I think we are coping well without him, but he is a fantastic player and we can’t wait to have him back.”
