Carlo hopeful over Lamps

Chelsea boss says key midfielder could start against Arsenal

By James Dall   Last updated: 25th November 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Carlo hopeful over Lamps

Lampard: Could start at Arsenal

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Chelsea head coach Carlo Ancelotti is optimistic that Frank Lampard could be fit for Sunday's Premier League clash at Arsenal.

Lampard has been sidelined with a thigh injury he sustained during international duty with England.

The Blues face a crunch clash with London rivals Arsenal at the weekend, and Ancelotti is hopeful key midfielder Lampard could start the fixture.

The Italian told Sky Sports: "He is working very well and trained well today. He could start the game."

Ancelotti was speaking after his side's 1-0 win over Porto which sealed their position at the top of UEFA Champions League Group D.

Porto result

He said: "It is important to finish top of the group. It was the most important thing, it was our objective. We could have a good draw in the future.

"The game was good. To win here is not easy. We played a good match, it was a good match and a good victory. Chelsea played well. We are happy."

Ancelotti also reserved praise for striker Nicolas Anelka, who took his goals tally for the season to six after he netted on 69 minutes in Portugal.

He added: "Nicolas is very important for us because he reads the situation of the game very well.

"Sometimes he is a striker, sometimes he helps the midfielders play."