Frank Lampard has been given compassionate leave and told by Chelsea to take as long as he needs after the death of his mother yesterday. The England midfield player will miss tomorrow’s Barclays Premier League match against Manchester United and is unlikely to return for Wednesday’s Champions League semi-final, second leg against Liverpool.

Lampard is devastated at the loss of his mother, Pat, 58, whom he believed was recovering after being admitted to hospital with pneumonia ten days ago. The 29-year-old is grateful for the support provided by Chelsea, particularly Avram Grant, the first-team coach, but has given no thought to a return date and will spend the next few days mourning with his family.

“Everybody at Chelsea Football Club is absolutely devastated to hear the tragic news of the passing away of Pat Lampard, Frank’s mother,” a club statement read. “Our sincerest and deepest condolences go out to Frank, his father, Frank Sr, sisters Natalie and Claire and to their immediate family and friends.

“Pat was a very familiar face to many people at Chelsea FC. Her unswerving support for her son’s career was evident at virtually every game that Frank participated in. Regardless of where it was being played, she would always be there to watch him with Frank’s dad. Pat will be deeply missed by everyone at Chelsea. The club will be offering all the support it can to Frank and his family at this time.”

Chelsea have opened a book of condolence for fans wishing to pay their respects to Lampard’s mother. Lampard has trained only twice and played in one match since she was taken ill last week and will not be rushed back into action.

“Frank would like to acknowledge and say thank you for the compassion shown to him by Avram Grant and all the staff at Chelsea Football Club during what has been a terribly traumatic period for him and his family,” a statement released on his behalf by his agent, Steve Kutner, read. “Frank and his family would also like to thank all the people that have been inundating them with wishes of support.”

Lampard will be replaced against United by Michael Essien, who was suspended from the first leg of the Champions League semi-final, while Grant is contemplating further changes for tomorrow’s game in an attempt to keep players fresh for next week’s second leg. John Obi Mikel will return in place of Claude Makelele, while Salomon Kalou should regain his position from Florent Malouda. Makelele and Malouda are expected to play against Liverpool.

In the event of Lampard missing Wednesday’s match as well, Mikel and Makelele would partner Michael Ballack in midfield, with Essien being moved to right back. Didier Drogba’s position is also under scrutiny after several fitful performances, although Grant is likely to stick with him in the hope that the Ivory Coast striker will play himself into form.

For all Chelsea’s problems, Ballack has said that they will finish the season strongly because many of their players are fresh as a result of suffering injuries earlier in the season. The Germany midfield player returned to action only in December after an ankle injury and missed last week’s victory over Everton with a hamstring problem. “It’s always important to be in good shape and at your best at the end of the season, when it’s all about the championships,” Ballack said. “I didn’t play for half a year because of my ankle injury, which is why this season doesn’t feel drawn-out to me. I feel fit and I’m highly motivated.”