By FRANCO PANIZO

A frustratingly long wait has been made even longer for New York City FC fans.

Set to make his debut in this Sunday’s home game against Toronto FC, Frank Lampard has been ruled out of the match due to a calf strain picked up in training earlier this week. The injury is not expected to keep Lampard out of action for any substantial amount of time.

“I’m hugely disappointed to be missing out on Sunday’s game, which I have been really looking forward to,” said Lampard in a statement. “I’ve been feeling great in training and have loved working with the squad. Unfortunately I sustained a small strain to my calf during a session.”

“Whilst I’ve been taking it day by day since then and have been involved in light training, I’ve just been advised by the medical team that it needs a few days’ rest for it to heal fully.”

The 37-year-old Lampard began training with NYCFC last week, approximately six months after he was originally scheduled to join the club that he signed with as a Designated Player last summer.

Lampard, who stayed at NYCFC’s sister club Manchester City through the end of the Premiership campaign in May, could now make his debut as soon as July 18. NYCFC travels to take on the New England Revolution that day.

If he is not cleared to play, Lampard could possibly make his debut at Yankee Stadium alongside fellow New York City FC DP Andrea Pirlo in the July 26 meeting against Orlando City.

“As I say, it’s personally very disappointing for me but these things happen in football,” said Lampard. “The good news is that I should be back in full training next week. While I was desperate to play a role on Sunday, I have to take the advice of our medical team to let it heal and not risk further injury so I can get back on the pitch and play a full role as soon as possible.”

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What do you think about Lampard missing this Sunday’s match vs. Toronto FC? Worried this could be a recurring theme with him? Simply chalking it up to bad luck?

Share your thoughts below.