“Not sure” – Lampard issues Frank Onyeka update after Stoke City incident

Coventry City head coach Frank Lampard has expressed concern over Frank Onyeka’s fitness after the Nigerian midfielder was forced off in the 55th minute of their Championship clash against Stoke City on Saturday, Afrik-Foot reports.

​Onyeka has lived up to his nickname, “The Tank,” since joining Coventry City on loan from Brentford in January.

Despite only recently arriving, the 28-year-old Super Eagles midfielder has become an integral part of Lampard’s setup, featuring in four matches and delivering impressive performances in each. Notably, he earned a Man of the Match award after only his second appearance for the club.

​He was named in the starting XI for the Sky Blues as they welcomed Stoke City for their Championship fixture on Saturday and performed well until his premature exit.

He had to be replaced early in the second half after appearing to suffer some physical discomfort.

While there were initial fears that he had sustained a serious injury, those concerns were largely allayed after the match.

​Lampard Speaks on Frank Onyeka’s Early Substitution

​Coventry boss Frank Lampard spoke about the former FC Midtjylland man, revealing that Onyeka’s issue appears to be related to fatigue, suggesting the player is in need of rest.

​The Chelsea legend admitted that the coaching staff had considered resting Onyeka before the Stoke City game due to the congested fixture schedule; however, they ultimately decided to start him because of his significant influence on the team.

​“Yeah, I’m not sure yet [about Frank Onyeka]. I think it’s a lot of fatigue and maybe a bit of a knock. He was struggling a bit, so he had to come off,” Lampard said.

“There was a question about playing him, probably, from a physical standpoint, but the influence that he’s had so far meant that he started the game.”

​Following the match, the club captain confirmed that Onyeka’s issue was minor and the substitution was merely a precaution. “I believe so. I checked in with him after the game and he said he’d be okay. It was just a precaution, I hope.”

​After a difficult start to the campaign at Brentford, where he struggled for minutes under Keith Andrews, Onyeka has found a system where he is a vital component.

Fortunately, he has a strong injury history, which suggests a quick recovery. With Coventry enjoying a full week of rest before their next fixture against Bristol City, Onyeka should have ample time to recover before Saturday’s game.