Frank
Lampard expects John Terry to have an "emotional" return to Stamford Bridge
when Chelsea host Aston Villa on Wednesday, and that he will receive a
"deserving" reception from the fans.
Lampard and Terry have faced off in the Championship before, when the former
was manager at Derby, but this is the first time the pair will go head to
head in the Premier League - and Terry's first time at his old club as part
of an opposition team.
"I went up against him twice last year and we obviously get on very well and
I've got huge respect for him and the work that him and Dean Smith have done
there with Aston Villa," Lampard said.
"So I think it's more about John and probably the reception he will quite
rightly get from the Chelsea fans. He was the most decorated captain,
greatest captain, won everything, feels the club - everybody knows that.
"The fans will certainly show their appreciation and I'm sure it will be
pretty emotional for John. He deserves that moment and I will certainly be
pleased to see his face back at the Bridge."
Tammy Abraham missed last week's 1-0 defeat to West Ham with a hip injury
picked up against Valencia on November 27, and Lampard says a decision on
whether the 22-year-old will face Villa will be made on the day of the game.
"We're giving him every possible chance to be fit," said Lampard. "He's
still got some pain in the area of the injury, so we'll make a judgement
call [Wednesday].
"It's painful for him, so it's a bit of pain threshold and whether it
affects his movements. I wouldn't want to commit today.
"He was in good form, and with players that are important you want to give
them as much time.
"He's keen and we're trying our best to give him time, but if he's not ready
we have to go in a different route anyway."
Chelsea are currently waiting to hear whether their appeal of a FIFA
transfer ban has been successful, and Lampard is hopeful the club will hear
within "days".
"I haven't heard any more," Lampard said about the status of the appeal. "So
I will wait and reserve judgement until we get the judgement and see where
we want to go from there.
Asked when a decision is expected, Lampard said: "Very soon, I believe.
Days, I think."
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