Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard has spoken of his delight after returning to action in last weekend's Premier League match against Liverpool.

England international Lampard, 29, had been missing for six weeks with a thigh injury, during which time the club had remained unbeaten and only dropped two points away at Portsmouth.

He played for 70 minutes in the disappointing 0-0 draw at Stamford Bridge and insisted that he was raring to go.

"I feel very good, fresh and ready to go," he said. "Mentally I am just happy to be back training with the lads and playing."

Overall Lampard has an outstanding record with injuries. He explained that he now understands how difficult it can be for players on the treatment table.

"It has been very frustrating," he said. "When you've been out injured, you can't even mix with the lads that much and you're spending long days at the training ground.

"I haven't ever had that really and now I realise what other players have had - it is a frustrating time."

Chelsea are third in the Premier League table, eight points behind leaders Arsenal and three behind Manchester United having played the same number of matches.

There are 12 matches left in the season.

Jonathan Symcox / Eurosport