Lampard to miss title showdown against United after mum Pat dies

Frank Lampard will miss Chelsea's title showdown with Manchester United tomorrow following the death of his mother Pat yesterday and he will be under no pressure from the club to rush back for the Champions League semi-final return against Liverpool on Wednesday.

Lampard has been given compassionate leave by Chelsea, who offered their own tribute to his mum and opened an online book of condolence for fans to record their tributes.

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'Pat was a very familiar face to many people at Chelsea,' said a club statement, issued after she died in hospital from pneumonia aged 58.

'Her unswerving support for her son's career was evident at virtually every game that Frank participated in regardless of where it was being played, she would always be there to watch him with Frank's dad. Pat will be deeply missed by everyone at Chelsea.'

A statement by Lampard's agent, Steve Kutner, said: '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.'

In the absence of Lampard for the Barclays Premier League clash at Stamford Bridge, manager Avram Grant can recall Michael Essien to the midfield after suspension and pair him with Michael Ballack.

Referring to matters on the field, the Germany international insists Chelsea will not be distracted at this key point in the season.

Ballack said: 'This season we've had a lot of bad injuries, we lost important players to the Africa Cup of Nations and we've been through difficult situations.

'But we are still in a good position in the Premier League and in the semi-finals of the Champions League. That shows how strong we are as a team.'

In contrast, Manchester United are increasingly hopeful that defender Nemanja Vidic will be fit for Stamford Bridge.

Vidic missed the Barcelona game after being taken to hospital with a stomach infection but it is understood the Serbia international is eating again and he was able to do some light training in Spain before United flew to London yesterday.

Victory for United will effectively secure the title for a second successive season, such is their superior goal difference.