Manchester City are resigned to losing Frank Lampard in January.
Lampard is on-loan at City from sister club New York City FC.
New York sporting director Claudio Reyna insists: "It's fantastic to see him playing at the level he has been doing for City in the Premier League so the situation couldn't have worked out better.
"He is really excited to be here. The plan remains for him to be in pre-season with us.
"He was disappointed not to be in New York this week for the kit launch but he is excited to be an ambassador for this club and part of the building process.
"We don't have a drop dead date for him to return but all plans are pointing towards him being here for pre-season."
