Lampard ruled out of San Marino game

LONDON (AFP) –

Frank Lampard (centre) with the Duchess of Cambridge and Adam Johnson at the opening of the English FA’s National Football Centre at St George’s Park, Burton-upon-Trent, on Tuesday. Lampard has been ruled out of England‘s 2014 World Cup qualifier at home to San Marino on Friday due to injury, the FA says.

England midfielder Frank Lampard has been ruled out of his country’s 2014 World Cup qualifier at home to San Marino on Friday due to injury, the English Football Association revealed on Thursday.

“Frank Lampard has returned to his club for further treatment and will not be available for England’s FIFA World Cup qualifier with San Marino,” read a statement on the FA website.

“The Chelsea midfielder will return to the England squad on Sunday for assessment ahead of the away qualifier with Poland on Tuesday.”

Lampard, 34, injured his knee while playing in Chelsea’s 4-1 win at home to Norwich City in the Premier League on Saturday and had to come off during the second half.

England are currently second behind Montenegro in qualifying Group H, after a 5-0 win away to Moldova and a 1-1 draw at home to Ukraine.