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Lampard ruled out of Liverpool trip

Frank Lampard is closing in on a return to action © Getty Images

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Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed Frank Lampard will not be risked when Chelsea travel to Liverpool on Sunday.

Lampard has not played for the Blues since undergoing groin surgery in August, but had been tentatively pencilled in for the trip to Anfield. Ancelotti has insisted the England international has not suffered a setback, but wants to ensure he is 100% before throwing him back into the fray.

"Lampard isn't ready for this game," he said. "We have to take our time with him. He started to train. We've taken time to put him 100% fit because it's not an easy problem. We don't want to take a risk.

"The last week he did everything alone in the training sessions and everything was ok. The next step is to train with the team, maybe the beginning of next week and I hope he will be ready against Sunderland."

Ancelotti, however, is hopeful Michael Essien will shrug off a toe injury in time to play. He said: "We are not sure he will be fit on Sunday. He has a problem on his toe. I hope it is a little problem and he will be available to play. I think he will travel to Liverpool and we will take a decision on Sunday morning."

Despite arriving at Anfield with a massive 13-point advantage over Liverpool, Ancelotti expects a resurgent Liverpool to provide a stern test.

"It will be a fantastic atmosphere. They will have the support of their fans and to win there we have to do our best. It's not enough to play 90%, we have to play 100% to win there, I am sure. Steven Gerrard is now in fantastic condition, this victory [against Napoli] for them was very important to improve their confidence, so we have to be ready to fight and stay focused for the game," he said.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.