Frank Lampard on Christian Pulisic's Injury: 'I Expected Him Back Quicker'

Chelsea midfielder Christian Pulisic remains sidelined with an injury to his midsection and there is no timetable for his return.

The 21-year-old American has not has not played since Jan. 1 because of the injury to his adductor muscle.

''The projected time out was a lot less than what it's turned out to be,'' manager Frank Lampard said Friday. ''However, I had a similar injury myself as a player and was out for three months, the worst injury I had, so I can certainly speak with him and sympathize.''

Lampard, speaking at his news conference ahead of Saturday's match at Bournemouth, called it a ''delicate injury.''

''Yes, I expected him back quicker,'' he said. ''But knowing the injury, I can see it's a difficult one.''

Acquired from Borussia Dortmund last year for a 64 million euro (then $73 million) transfer fee, Pulisic has five goals in 16 Premier League matches this season and six goals in 23 games overall.