The boss spoke to the media at Cobham ahead of the Blades’ visit during which he provided an injury update on N’Golo Kante, Pedro and Rudiger.

‘N’Golo Kante is not fit,’ Lampard said. ‘It’s a continuation of his ankle problem. He won’t be travelling with the French squad either. I had a conversation with Didier Deschamps and we both agreed it was the best thing for him, so let’s try and get him fit over the break.

‘Pedro is not fit. Hopefully he should be fit the other side of the international break as well,’ added Lampard of the Spaniard, who suffered a hamstring problem in the warm-ups at Carrow Road.

‘Rudiger is going to play for the Under-23s tonight, hopefully for the final time in terms of getting proper match fitness. Then he is in serious contention to play after the break.’

On Kante, Lampard noted we must proceed with caution.

‘Of course it’s a setback, but my focus is on making sure he’s okay. He’s had four years of constant football at an incredibly high level, energy level, output level. We certainly have to get it right.

‘We have a strong squad with strong numbers in midfield. The midfield performance last week was very good. We have a strong squad and we have to show it.’

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