Frank Lampard looks likely to return for Chelsea’s game against Manchester United on Sunday, but Branislav Ivanovic is expected to remain sidelined.
Blues midfielder Lampard resumed training this week following a calf injury and could feature against David Moyes’ side at Stamford Bridge.
Ivanovic, meanwhile, trained on Friday but is still nursing a knee problem.
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho believes the Serbian defender will need more time to recover and he has also revealed that Nemanja Matic will not be starting against the champions.
Matic completed his move from Benfica on Wednesday but will have to bide his time.
Mourinho explained: “Matic will not start the game. I have to show respect to my other players who are doing well.
“I don’t think it’s the right message for them that a new player comes immediately and plays, so I’m not playing him from the beginning.”
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This post was last modified on 18/01/2014