Lampard, Gerrard back for Euro semifinal

LONDON, England -- Frank Lampard has made himself available for Chelsea's all-British Champions League semifinal at Anfield on Tuesday, while opponents Liverpool have been boosted by the return to fitness of captain Steven Gerrard.

England midfielder Lampard has sat out the last two Premier League matches after his mother was rushed to hospital last Monday suffering from pneumonia.

Lampard's agent Steve Kutner said on Monday that his client was ready to play again.

"Frank Lampard has made himself available for tomorrow night's Champions League match at Liverpool after spending the last seven days at the bedside of his sick mother," he said in a statement.

"Although still very ill, her condition has now stabilized. Hopefully there is light at the end of a very dark tunnel."

Lampard had to miss the disappointing 1-1 home draw against Wigan and the 1-0 win at Everton which later revived their English title hopes.

With fellow midfielder Michael Ballack still a doubt for the match, Lampard could well win a starting place despite not training last week.

Chelsea manager Avram Grant was sympathetic to Lampard's plight, saying last week: "I tell the players all the time that football is very important but sometimes there are things that need to be taken care of.

"This is more important and I understand that. I hope everything will be okay."

Chelsea, however, have injury concerns over top scorer Didier Drogba and Germany midfielder Michael Ballack.

Liverpool have passed midfielder Gerrard fit for the first-leg tie following a painful neck injury.

The England international missed the 2-0 win at Fulham on Saturday, but manager Rafael Benitez told reporters on Monday that the club's talismanic leader would be back to face Chelsea.

"Yes, he is fit," Benitez confirmed. "He was training this morning so he is okay."

The Merseyside club's Web site also said that veteran defender Sami Hyypia and midfielder Javier Mascherano were fit to play despite being substituted after suffering knocks against Fulham. E-mail to a friend

All About Frank Lampard • Steven Gerrard • Chelsea FC • Liverpool FC • European Football