FRANK Lampard says John Terry will be at the heart of Chelsea's team whether or not he is fit to play in Wednesday night's Europa League final.

Terry, who hobbled away from Villa Park on crutches having suffered an ankle injury during Saturday's game, looks unlikely to be able to run out for the Blues in a European final for the second consecutive year.

“It's a huge blow, and I'm gutted for him because I know how difficult it was for him last year missing the game – although he turned up and supported the team,” said Lampard.

“Whatever we do I think, here as a club, as long as John's here he is part of it – whatever.

“And it won't soften the blow from him being frustrated at not being involved, if the ankle is as bad as it looks. But we win things together.

“It was the same last year, and hopefully it will be the same this year.”

Lampard said that Terry's influence would still be there, even if he could not play, and that he was unsurpassable as an influential captain in the modern era.

“Knowing John, he will be there and he will be with the lads,” said Lampard.

“Of course you miss his influence – I think in the modern day you can't think of any captain that has surpassed that he's done, in terms of what he's won.

“He's captained his country, he's a real leader. Leaders have to affect players around them, they have to pick players up in hard moments.

“And I think John has done all that and more. So we will miss that certainly, if he's not involved on Wednesday.”

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