Frank Lampard delays NYCFC debut, out with strained calf
Fans will have to wait to see Frank Lampard's NYCFC debut. The Chelsea legend, who played the last season on loan with Manchester City after signing with the MLS expansion side in New York, strained a calf in training and won't be able to face Toronto FC on Sunday.
"I'm hugely disappointed to be missing out on Sunday's game, which I have been really looking forward to," he told the club's official site. He added: "I've been feeling great in training and have loved working with the squad. Unfortunately I sustained a small strain to my calf during a session. While I've been taking it day by day since then and have been involved in light training, I've just been advised by the medical team that it needs a few days' rest for it to heal fully."
Just two days ago, the 37-year-old told a news conference he was fit and ready to go, saying his arrival in New York brought on, "a mini pre-season for me. I hope to get to peak fitness as quickly as possible. I've been watching all the games. I know every player and how they play. It will be a pleasure to play with them every day." But now Lampard is dealing with the injury picked up on the training ground. Luckily for NYCFC supporters, the midfielder is confident the calf problem won't keep him out long.
"As I say, it's personally very disappointing for me but these things happen in football," he said. "The good news is that I should be back in full training next week. While I was desperate to play a role on Sunday, I have to take the advice of our medical team to let it heal and not risk further injury so I can get back on the pitch and play a full role as soon as possible."
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