Lampard: Cole loss increases Messi threat

FRANK LAMPARD fears the influence Lionel Messi will have on Chelsea’s Champions League semi-final following the loss of Ashley Cole.

The Blues will renew their European rivalry with Messi’s Barcelona after completing a bewildering 7-5 aggregate victory over Liverpool at Stamford Bridge.

Barcelona are favourites for the tie with the first leg at the Nou Camp in a fortnight with Messi, the competition’s top scorer, the pick of their frightening array of talent. And Lampard is concerned how Chelsea will cope with his threat in the absence of Cole, whose suspension has left the club without a recognised left-back.