Aurélio out for Reds as Lampard grieves
Thursday, April 24, 2008
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Left-back Fábio Aurélio will miss Liverpool FC's semi-final return leg against Chelsea FC with a torn muscle, while Frank Lampard is mourning his mother's death.
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Groin injury
Brazilian left-back Fábio Aurélio came off in the first leg, with his replacement John Arne Riise scoring the own goal that brought Chelsea back into the game at 1-1. He has been ruled out with a torn groin muscle, and is unlikely to play again this season, having been ruled out for two or three weeks. "It usually takes a minimum of three weeks to recover," said coach Rafael Benítez. "So, it will be very difficult for Fabio to play again this season."
Grieving son
Meanwhile, Chelsea's Lampard may also miss the second leg and this Saturday's crucial Premier League fixture against Manchester United FC as he mourns the loss of his mother, who died on Thursday from pneumonia. A statement issued by the player's agent said: "Frank would like to acknowledge and say thank you for compassion shown to him by manager Avram Grant and all staff at Chelsea FC during what has been a terribly traumatic period for him and his family."