31.07.2015 22:24 h

Lampard available for NYC against Montreal

England legend Frank Lampard, nagged for three weeks by a calf injury that delayed his Major League Soccer debut, will be available for New York City on Saturday against Montreal.

The 37-year-old midfielder, an iconic playmaker for English Premier League side Chelsea, trained fully Friday with no limitations and is likely to be called off the bench this weekend for his new club at Yankee Stadium.

"We've really only had three training sessions for him to be available in," City coach Jason Kreis said. "We've built him up throughout the week. He trained full so he's in contention."

Lampard probably will not see full minutes just yet.

"He's a player you don't want to just throw out there and throw him to the wolves a bit," Kreis said. "He has to be built into the soccer fitness because he has been out for quite a long time."

New York could see its three big names on the field at once for the first time if Lampard joins Italian midfielder Andrea Pirlo and Spanish striker David Villa.

"It's exciting to be at a place where we almost have all of our players available for the very first time this year," Kreis said. "We still have one or two small injuries, but to have all the big guns ready and available tomorrow is exciting."