LONDON (AP):

ENGLAND MIDFIELDER Frank Lampard is set to miss Saturday's crucial European Championshipqualifier against Israel and is rated a 50-50 chance to play in next week's match against Russia.

The 29-year-old Chelsea midfielder missed training yesterday because of a thigh injury and will have treatment at his club before linking up with the squad again on Saturday, when his condition will be assessed.

Lampard tore a muscle last week while training with Chelsea and had been expected to be out for several weeks, ruling him out of both of England's matches and possibly two more next month.

"The injury is not as serious as we first thought," England coach Steve McClaren said yesterday. "He may be 50-50 for next week and Chelsea are giving him every chance of being available for us."

Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard, captain John Terry and Manchester United's Owen Hargreaves also missed the group training session yesterday, but all are expected to be fit for Saturday's match at Wembley.

Gerrard worked in the gym as he continued his rehabilitation from a broken toe that forced him to miss Liverpool's last three matches and England's recent friendly loss to Germany.

Terry was excused because he was ill, while midfielder Har-greaves was also in the gym as he worked on the knee problem that has kept him out of half of Manchester United's matches this season.

Major problem

With Lampard out, Gerrard's absence would be a major problem for an England team in fourth place in its seven-team qualifying group with five matches left.

Although the pair's partner-ship in central midfield has drawn criticism from fans because of their similarities, Lampard would likely be replaced by the more defensive Hargreaves against Israel, allowing Gerrard to attack more and get into scoring positions.

"All being well, Stevie will be available on Saturday," McClaren said. "I want him to play, the team does, the fans do and so does the whole country.

"We need big players and Stevie is one for us."