Lampard in mourning for mother

The mother of Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard has died, it was confirmed on Thursday afternoon.

Pat Lampard, 58, had been admitted to hospital 10 days ago with pneumonia and the England international had missed the recent Barclays Premier League games, but resumed training ahead of the 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 issued a statement, which read: "It is with great sadness that we have to inform you that Pat Lampard passed away on Thursday afternoon."

The statement continued: "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 Champions League clash next week, which is delicately poised at 1-1.