Chelsea's Lampard granted compassionate leave

Chelsea will give Frank Lampard all the time he needs to grieve following the death of his mother.

The Blues face a Barclays Premier League title showdown against Manchester United at Stamford Bridge tomorrow lunchtime but look set to be without one of their key men. England international Lampard, 29, missed the recent Premier League games against Wigan and Everton after his 58-year-old mother, Pat, was admitted to hospital with pneumonia.

He then resumed training earlier this week ahead of Tuesday night's Champions League semi-final first leg at Liverpool after she had showed signs of improvement. However, her condition deteriorated rapidly and it was confirmed she had passed away yesterday afternoon. Chelsea are now expected to grant Lampard further compassionate leave to be with his family as they try to come to terms with their loss. It is also uncertain whether he will feature in Wednesday night's Champions League semi-final second leg, with the tie delicately poised at 1-1.

A statement from Chelsea read: 'The club will be offering all the support it can to Frank and his family at this time. 'Everybody at Chelsea Football Club is absolutely devastated to hear the tragic news of the passing away of Pat Lampard, Frank's mother. 'Our sincerest and deepest condolences go out to Frank, his father Frank senior, sisters Natalie and Claire, and to their immediate family and friends. 'Pat was a very familiar face to many people at Chelsea. 'Her unswerving support for her son's career was evident at virtually every game that Frank participated in.

Regardless of where it was being played, she would always be there to watch him with Frank's dad. Pat will be deeply missed by everyone at Chelsea.' Lampard was touched be the support received from his club and other well-wishers. A statement from Lampard's agent, Steve Kutner, read: 'Frank would like to acknowledge and say thank you for the compassion shown to him by the manager Avram Grant and all the staff at Chelsea during what has been a terribly traumatic period for him and his family. 'Frank and his family would also like to thank all the people who have been inundating them with wishes of support.' In Lampard's absence, Germany captain Michael Ballack looks set to have an important role to play in midfield as the Blues seek to close the gap on United, currently three points with three games left to play.

The 31-year-old feels he is in good shape for the final push, after having been forced to sit out the early part of the campaign because of an ankle problem. 'It's always important to be in good shape and at your best at the end of the season, when it's all about the championships,' Ballack said. 'I didn't play for half a year, because of my ankle injury, which is why this season doesn't feel drawn-out to me. 'I feel fit and I'm highly motivated.' Along with Ballack, Andriy Shevchenko also arrived at Stamford Bridge in the summer of 2006.

However, the Ukraine striker has struggled to make an impact for the Blues since his £30million transfer from AC Milan. Reports have linked the 31-year-old with a return to the Rossoneri. Shevchenko's agent Fabio Parisi, though, does not expect Milan to part with any money for the forward. He said: '(AC Milan vice-president Adriano) Galliani has always been very clear when stating that the deal can only be done if Chelsea allow Milan to have the player as a free loan. 'If Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich will give his okay then I think the deal could be done.'


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