From:
www.itv.com
Grieving rules Lampard out
April 24 2008
Frank Lampard will miss the title clash between Chelsea and Manchester United
after the death of his mother.
Pat Lampard, 58, had been admitted to hospital 10 days ago with pneumonia.
England international Lampard, 29, had missed the recent Premier League games
against Wigan and Everton, but resumed training ahead of the UEFA Champions
League tie on Tuesday after his mother had showed signs of positive
improvement - only for her condition to deteriorate.
A spokesman for the Chelsea player confirmed to the Press Association on
Thursday afternoon Mrs Lampard had passed away.
A statement read: "It is with great sadness that we have to inform you that Pat
Lampard passed way this afternoon.
"Frank would like to acknowledge and say thank you for the compassion shown
to him by the manager Avram Grant and all the staff at Chelsea Football Club
during what has been a terribly traumatic period for him and his family.
"Frank and his family would also like to thank all the people who have been
inundating them with wishes of support."
Lampard is now understandably a major doubt for Saturday's potential title
decider against Manchester United at Stamford Bridge.
It is also uncertain whether the midfielder will feature in the second leg of the
UEFA Champions League clash next week, which is delicately poised at 1-1.