Former Chelsea star is hoping to overcome injury to set up a clash with Liverpool legend

New York City's Frank Lampard is hoping to overcome a calf injury ahead of tie with LA Galaxy

FRANK LAMPARD is facing a battle to line up against fellow Premier League legend Steven Gerrard today.

 

Lamps missed the midweek draw in Columbus with a thigh problem and although the 37 year-old trained at the back end of this week, boss Jason Kreis knows it's a risk to start him when New York City take on Gerrard's LA Galaxy at the StubHub Center.

He's set to start on the bench in a match which has been dubbed 'the British invasion' by the reigning MLS champions.

 

Lampard's lack of fitness has ruined his start to life in America - a calf injury meant the Chelsea legend had to wait three weeks to make his debut before this new knock derailed him once again.

The Londoner is desperate to make his mark with NYCFC badly needing to string wins together to reach the top six and bag a ticket to the end of season play-off's.

City are level on points with sixth place Montreal but are wildly inconsistent, winning just seven matches from 25.

City chief Kreis is hopeful of having his star trio of Lampard, David Villa and Andrea Pirlo all on the pitch together at some point in a clash which will kick-off in the searing midday Los Angeles sun (5pm uk time)

 

He said: "It looks pretty good in terms of Frank's availability right now. He's been involved in training on Thursday and Friday and hopeful he can make a step forward. He's an option.

"It has been amazingly frustrating and I know how frustrating it's been for him personally. I have spoken to him a lot about it but it doesn't matter what your name is, injuries happen.

"When he is fully fit he will make a huge difference to our team. What he can provide for us on the pitch is huge but , for me, what he can add to our training sessions is huge.

"He can raise levels on a daily basis and that can only spread through the group."

 

England pal Gerrard, however, has enjoyed a solid beginning in California with Robbie Keane and co flying in the Western Conference.

The Scouser, who has scored one goal from five starts , said:"I'm sure Frank thinks it's slightly embarrassing to have all the focus on you when it's Los Angeles against New York.

"It's about the game and three points. But we understand it - we've playedtogether for so many years. The rivalry is real. When the whistle goes, it's war.

"If he plays from the beginning of he comes on we become enemies, and when it's over we become friends again. We've always got on, no matter what other people say."