Chelsea have been hit by the news Frank Lampard will be ruled out for three weeks after tearing a muscle in his left thigh while on England duty. The 31-year-old midfielder was forced to return to Stamford Bridge after suffering the injury during training with Fabio Capello's squad in Doha ahead of Saturday's international friendly against Brazil. Lampard is no stranger to thigh problems after he missed the festive period in the 2007-08 season when he tore his right thigh muscle, while his left thigh has also troubled him in the past. Blues boss Carlo Ancelotti will now be without one of his most influential players for the clash with Wolves next Saturday, the trip to Porto in the Champions League and the game against Arsenal at the Emirates on Sunday November 29. However it is hoped Lampard will be fit to return for the game at big-spending Manchester City on December 5.