Lampard boost for Blues

Midfielder available for first leg of semi-final

By Lewis Rutledge   Last updated: 21st April 2008

Frank Lampard celeb West Ham v Chelsea

Lampard: Available

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Frank Lampard will be available for the first leg of Chelsea's UEFA Champions League semi-final against Liverpool.

The midfielder has missed Chelsea's last two games after his mother was admitted to hospital with pneumonia.

Manager Avram Grant admitted he was unsure whether he would be able to call on Lampard for Tuesday's match at Anfield, but a statement released by the player's agent has confirmed he will be in contention.

"Frank Lampard has made himself available for tomorrow night's Champions League match at Liverpool after spending the last seven days at the bedside of his sick mother," said the statement by Steve Kutner.

"Although still very ill, her condition has now stabilised. Hopefully there is light at the end of a very dark tunnel.

"Frank would like to acknowledge the consideration shown to him by Chelsea FC and the media during this time of immense strain for himself and his family."

The news will come as a massive boost for Grant as Lampard has been a key figure in Chelsea's run to the last four.

He has scored twice in Europe this season, including a late goal in the 2-0 victory over Fenerbahce in the quarter-finals.

Didier Drogba has also sat out the games against Wigan and Everton, while Michael Ballack was ruled out of the 1-0 win at Goodison Park last Thursday.

Liverpool's own midfield talisman Steven Gerrard is expected to shake off a neck injury in time to feature.