Manuel Pellegrini says Frank Lampard’s fitness is not in question

Manchester City 2 Hamburg 0

Manchester City Jovetic 50', Dzeko 74'

Man of the match James Milner (Man City)

AL AIN // Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini said Frank Lampard should be fit for Saturday’s FA Cup tie against Middlesbrough, despite the midfielder lasting only 20 minutes of Wednesday night’s friendly with Hamburg.

The former England international was substituted midway through the first half at the Hazza bin Zayed Stadium and replaced by Scott Sinclair.

City won the match 2-0, through goals from Stevan Jovetic and Edin Dzeko.

Lampard had complained of a slight muscle strain in the pre-match warm-up and appeared to motion to the bench following what seemed a routine tackle.

The Premier League champions, second in the table, promptly withdrew Lampard, although simply as a precaution.

City have an important 10 days ahead of them in terms of their title defence. On January 31 they travel to league leaders Chelsea intent of reducing the five-point gap at the summit. Should he be available for selection at Stamford Bridge, Lampard will play against the club he represented 643 times from 2001 to 2014.

Before that, City have a FA Cup fourth-round clash with Middlesbrough, the English Championship side, on Saturday at the Etihad Stadium.

The manager said he expected Lampard to be ready for the match.

“I hope Frank will be fit not only for Chelsea, but for Middlesbrough on Saturday,” Pellegrini said.

“It was just a small problem, but he asked to try to play and after that he said it was impossible.

“I don’t think it will be too significant, so we hope to have him for Saturday.”

He said he did not anticipate City would make any more signings this month.

Last week, the club recruited Wilfried Bony, the Ivory Coast striker, from Swansea City in a deal reportedly worth up to £28 million (Dh156m).

The winter transfer window closes for Premier League clubs on February 2.

“For the moment it is just Bony,” said Pellegrini.

“There is time until the end of January, but we’re not thinking about anybody. However, if we have the chance, we may.”

jmcauley@thenational.ae

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Manuel Pellegrini says Frank Lampard’s fitness is not in question

Former England international was substituted midway through the first half at the Hazza bin Zayed Stadium before City won their friendly match 2-0 over Hamburg in Al Ain, writes John McAuley.