Cold break may be blessing for fit again Lampard

Lampard is ready to help revive Chelsea's lagging title challenge after a three-month spell on the sidelines and the extra eight days will help him gain match fitness.

LONDON // Frank Lampard will have to wait for another eight days to return to the Chelsea starting line-up after the blizzards that descended on Stamford Bridge caused today's match against Manchester United to be postponed.

Lampard is back to full fitness and ready to help revive Chelsea's lagging title challenge after a three-month spell on the sidelines, caused by complications following what was supposed to be a routine groin operation.

However, the enforced break could end up being a blessing in disguise - another week of tough training may help Lampard hit peak condition in time for the trip to London rivals Arsenal on December 27.

Lampard returned to action as a late substitute in the 1-1 draw at Tottenham Hotspur last week and then came through a specially arranged friendly at the club's training ground in the week.

The midfielder, 32, has a goal record that shows just how much Chelsea have missed him. He has netted 106 goals in 324 games for the club since 2001.

Despite their poor run of six points from the last seven games, Chelsea are still in contention thanks to the inconsistency of all the title challengers.

The belief is that Lampard's return will offer Carlo Ancelotti's men an extra dimension and help get them back to winning ways. Lampard is full of confidence on that front .

"I think the way we battled to get a 1-1 draw at Spurs showed the spirit we still have. If we play with that spirit then I have no doubts we can win the league," he said.

"We have had several injuries that have made things a bit tough but if we can get back to our best for the second half of the season then we have the confidence and ability to win it.

"It's a really hard race this year because there are more teams involved but we have the mentality to meet the challenge."