Chelsea can Bridge gap, says Lampard

FRANK LAMPARD believes Chelsea have enough strength in depth to cope with Wayne Bridge’s enforced absence.

Bridge will not play again this season after undergoing an operation to repair a double fracture of his left ankle. The Chelsea left-back fell awkwardly following a clash with striker Alan Shearer during the second half of their FA Cup fifth-round defeat by Newcastle on Sunday.

He underwent an operation in London yesterday as his team-mates concentrate on getting a result against Spanish league leaders Barcelona in the Champions League tomorrow night.