Lampard out for England

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Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard has been ruled out of England's Euro 2012 qualifier against Montenegro in a fortnight.

The 32-year-old has not played since having hernia surgery in late August, but Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti said he still needs more time to recover before he is ready to play.

That means Lampard will miss the Blues' Champions League clash with French champions Marseille, a Premier League match against rivals Arsenal as well as England's Euro 2012 qualifier against Montenegro at Wembley on October 12.

"He can't play on Tuesday. We need to have more time than we expected for his rest," said Ancelotti.

"In a few days there will be an international break and he will be ready for the first game after the break."

"He didn't play with us so I don't think he is able to play for the national team."

Lampard has already missed both of England's victories in their opening two qualifying matches against Bulgaria and Switzerland.

He last played for Chelsea in their 2-0 win over Stoke City in late August, but Blues team-mate Jon Obi Mikel said the side were learning to cope without Lampard.

"I think Frank is an important player for this team. We all know that. Over the years he has shown his consistency," Mikel said.

"He is a massive loss but I think we are coping well without him. We have only lost one of the games he has missed."

"Right now he is injured and we have other players who can do a similar job."

Chelsea host Marseille at Stamford Bridge in the Champions League on Tuesday.

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