Chelsea boss Rafa Benitez admits they've missed the "character" of Frank Lampard.

The England midfielder is now close to a return.

Benitez said: "Frank Lampard has been training and will be in the squad for Sunderland and if everything is fine he will fly to Japan too.

"At least one important player is back because we need character, experience and numbers. Frank is a very experienced player so this is quite positive.

"At the moment we have a good team but we needed players with more experience. He can have an impact. He scores goals and understands the game.

"I'm disappointed for the other two, but at least with Frank we have one more body."