Rafa making no promises

Rafael Benitez has refused to promise record-breaking Frank Lampard a starting place in Wednesday’s Europa League final.

The Blues take on Benfica in Amsterdam and travelling fans would be delighted to see Lampard line up in midfield after he broke Bobby Tambling’s club record of 202 goals against Aston Villa.

The England international has been used relatively sparingly by Benitez and his appearance in the side against Villa appeared to be an indication he would sit out the final.

A late hamstring injury to Eden Hazard – who joins John Terry (ankle) in being a major doubt – may open the door for Lampard, but Benitez is playing his cards close to his chest.

“You have to play with 11 players and they all have been working very hard for me,” he said. “The main thing for me is to pick the right team. Frank has been a really good professional when he has been playing and even when not playing to help the team.

“All the information we have when he finishes games is the physical data is good. But we have to see how they are and after that we pick the team.”