Frank Lampard’s long-awaited Major League Soccer debut has been delayed after the former England and Chelsea star suffered an injury in training, it was confirmed Saturday.
The veteran midfielder was due to play his first game for new club New York City FC against Toronto FC on Sunday at Yankee Stadium but has been ruled out after picking up a calf strain.
“I’m hugely disappointed to be missing out on Sunday’s game, which I have been really looking forward to,” Lampard said on NYCFC’s website.
“I’ve been feeling great in training and have loved working with the squad. Unfortunately I sustained a small strain to my calf during a session.”
Lampard, who headed to New York after winding up his English Premier League career with Manchester City, said he would need a “few days” to recover from the knock.
“As I say, it’s personally very disappointing for me but these things happen in football,” Lampard said.
“While I was desperate to play a role on Sunday, I have to take the advice of our medical team to let it heal and not risk further injury so I can get back on the pitch and play a full role as soon as possible.”