Frank Lampard fears he will miss Fabio Capello's first game in charge of England after suffering a setback in his recovery from a thigh injury.

Chelsea hoped that Lampard would be available to play in their Barclays Premier League clash at Birmingham on Saturday, but the England midfielder was forced to pull out of the squad.

Lampard has not played for his club since the 4-4 draw with Aston Villa on Boxing Day, but he hoped to return to action over the weekend.

Instead, the England midfielder is back on the sidelines after tearing his thigh muscle in training on Friday and fears he will not be available for Capello's first game.