Lampard, Bertrand ruled out of Poland clash

LONDON (AFP) –

L-R: England defender Leighton Baines, midfielder Adam Johnson, defender Ryan Bertrand and midfielder Frank Lampard attend a training session at the London Colney training ground in September 2012. England suffered a double blow ahead of Tuesday’s World Cup qualifier against Poland after Chelsea duo Lampard and Bertrand were ruled out of the trip to Warsaw.

England suffered a double blow ahead of Tuesday’s World Cup qualifier against Poland after Chelsea duo Frank Lampard and Ryan Bertrand were ruled out of the trip to Warsaw.

Lampard, who has a knee injury, and Bertrand, sidelined by a throat infection, missed Friday’s 5-0 victory over San Marino, but England manager Roy Hodgson was hopeful they would recover in time for the Poland clash.

But, after reporting to England’s training camp on Sunday to be assessed by the medical team, it was decided that neither would be able to take part.

“Frank Lampard and Ryan Bertrand have been ruled out of England’s FIFA World Cup qualifier with Poland,” read a Football Association statement.

“Lampard (calf) and Bertrand (illness) did not take part in England’s 5-0 win over San Marino, and will not be ready for Tuesday’s game.

“Roy Hodgson and his squad of 23 players travel to Warsaw on Monday morning.”