After missing out on his targeted MLS debut on Sunday due to a calf injury, it sounds like Frank Lampard may be able to make his first appearance for New York City FC this weekend.
NYCFC head coach Jason Kreis told reporters after Sunday’s wild 4-4 draw against Toronto FC that he expects Lampard to be available for Saturday’s match at the New England Revolution (7:30 pm ET, MLS LIVE), with the English Designated Player scheduled to ramp up his training regimen ahead of this weekend’s clash at Gillette Stadium.
“The plans are to get him back involved,” Kreis said when asked about Lampard, who suffered his calf injury last week. “He’s taken a couple of days off just to let him rest and heal and recuperate and we will build him up through the week of training. We believe at this moment that he’ll be available for next Saturday’s game.”
One issue that could affect Lampard’s availability for Saturday is New England’s artificial turf surface. Kreis said he plans on talking to the 37-year-old midfielder about his thoughts on playing on turf, with the head coach telling media that he’s not sure if the Chelsea legend has ever played a competitive match on the surface.
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“We need to understand first and foremost whether he’s even played on an artificial surface before,” Kreis said. “It wouldn’t surprise me if he hasn’t, certainly in a competitive match. We need to make the smartest decision that we can and that decision needs to come later in the week about whether he’s ready to play in the match or whether he’s ready to play in a match on an artificial surface.”
