Chelsea star Lampard set to miss title decider against Manchester United following death of his mother

Just hours after helping Chelsea to a combative draw at Liverpool, Lampard had returned to the bedside of his mother.

However, her health suddenly worsened and she passed away, it was confirmed this afternoon.

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Pat Lampard, 58, had been admitted to hospital 10 days ago with pneumonia.

England international Lampard, 29, had missed the recent Barclays Premier League games against Wigan and Everton, but resumed training ahead of the Champions League tie on Tuesday after his mother had showed signs of positive improvement - only for her condition to deteriorate.

A spokesman for the Chelsea player confirmed this afternoon that Mrs Lampard had passed away.

A statement read: "It is with great sadness that we have to inform you that Pat Lampard passed away this afternoon.

"Frank would like to acknowledge and say thank you for the compassion shown to him by the manager Avram Grant and all the staff at Chelsea Football Club during what has been a terribly traumatic period for him and his family.

"Frank and his family would also like to thank all the people who have been inundating them with wishes of support."

Lampard is now understandably a major doubt for Saturday's potential title decider against United at Stamford Bridge.

It is also uncertain whether the midfielder will feature in the second leg of the Champions League clash next week, which is delicately poised at 1-1.

Chelsea have offered Lampard their full support as he comes to terms with the loss.

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A club statement read: "Everybody at Chelsea Football Club is absolutely devastated to hear the tragic news of the passing away of Pat Lampard, Frank's mother.

"Our sincerest and deepest condolences go out to Frank, his father Frank senior, sisters Natalie and Claire, and to their immediate family and friends.

"Pat was a very familiar face to many people at Chelsea.

"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 statement concluded: "The club will be offering all the support it can to Frank and his family at this time."

Liverpool have passed their condolences onto Lampard and his family.

Manager Rafa Benitez said: "It is difficult for him, especially before these important games.

"He has our sympathy because for him this is very, very bad news."

Benitez added: "Some of our players are mates with him from the [England] national team, so everyone feels the same."