McClaren: Lampard unlikely to be fit

Midfielder Lampard sustained a thigh injury on Friday in training with Chelsea, prompting speculation he could be ruled out for the rest of this month.

That would see Lampard miss the qualifying matches against Israel on September 8 and Russia four days later at Wembley and McClaren said: "He's had a scan and our medical people are liaising with those at Chelsea, and then we'll assess the situation on Monday. We will see how severe it is, but it's looking very doubtful at the moment."

That would appear to force greater emphasis on the need for Steven Gerrard to play, despite the fact he is recovering from a broken toe sustained in a Champions League qualifier against Toulouse.

Gerrard did not figure in Liverpool's 6-0 Barclays Premier League thrashing of Derby at Anfield on Saturday, instead watching the game from the stands along with Jamie Carragher. It was the third game in a week Gerrard had missed, and while Reds boss Rafael Benitez would prefer his captain not to play for England, it is becoming increasingly likely he will.

"I've spoken to Stevie and we are liaising with Liverpool," added McClaren on BBC Radio 5 Live's Sportsweek programme.

"We're not going to take any risks over him, but he wants to play and we want him to play for the two games. He's making good progress. We will assess him again during the week, but I fully expect him to be available for the two games."

While McClaren understands Liverpool's position, he is certain there is nothing Gerrard wants more than to play if he proves his fitness.

"We go out of our way to help clubs in certain situations, certainly in friendly games," added McClaren.

"But these are big games, important games we need to win, and we need our best players available, and if it is at all possible they can be available, then they should be. I know that Stevie Gerrard wants to be on the pitch playing for England in the next two games."