Friday 23 January 2015 13:40, UK
Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini says Frank Lampard will be out for "between two to three days" but he will be fit to face former club Chelsea next weekend.
Lampard suffered a hip injury during the 2-0 friendly victory over German side Hamburg in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday.
There were initially concerns that the 36-year-old midfielder could miss the top-of-the-table Premier League clash with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on January 31.
Pellegrini revealed the former Blues star is a doubt for the FA Cup fourth-round tie against Middlesbrough at the Etihad Stadium this Saturday, but he will be fit for the vital clash with Chelsea.
Despite the injury to Lampard, Pellegrini is very pleased with how the trip to Abu Dhabi has gone and believes it will help City stay fresh as they face into the second half of the season.
“It is important. When you compare with last year when we played eight or nine games in January, I think it was very useful for our team to come here,” Pellegrini said.
“I hope you will see the benefit when we return to competition.”
Watch Chelsea v Manchester City live on Sky Sports 1 at 5.30pm on Saturday January 31.