Lampard set to miss Man Utd clash

Chelsea have given Lampard compassionate leave

Frank Lampard is set to miss Chelsea's Premier League showdown against Manchester United on Saturday following the death of his mother from pneumonia.

The England midfielder did not train on Friday, and Chelsea manager Avram Grant said: "I think he will not play.

"Football is very important, but there are things that are more important."

However, Grant hinted that the final decision rested with Lampard, adding: "Frank is a professional with full commitment to the team."

Pat Lampard, 58, died on Thursday after being admitted to hospital on 14 April. She was the wife of West Ham legend Frank senior.

Lampard, 29, sat out the Premier League games against Wigan and Everton to be at her bedside, but played in Tuesday's Champions League semi-final first leg at Liverpool after his mother's condition improved.

His participation in Tuesday's second leg at Stamford Bridge is also in doubt.

Grant said: "We are a close family here at Chelsea and all our sympathies are with him and his family.

606: DEBATE Hopefully Frank can come back this season and dedicate some goals to his mother arsenal4lifesham

"We just want to make sure that, when Frank comes back, we will still be fighting (for the Premier and Champions League titles).

It is understood that both Chelsea and Manchester United's players will wear black armbands as a mark of respect for Lampard's loss.

On Thursday, a statement issued by Lampard's agent said: "Frank and his family would like to thank all the people that have inundated them with wishes of support.

"Frank would also like to acknowledge and say thank you for compassion shown to him by Avram Grant and all staff at Chelsea FC during what has been a terribly traumatic period for him and his family."

Chelsea also issued a statement which said: "Pat was a very familiar face to many people at Chelsea FC.

"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."