Frank Lampard believes his six-week injury lay-off could be beneficial as Chelsea welcome back a number of players ahead of a crucial run.The England star returned to the Blues midfield as captain for Sunday's goalless draw with Liverpool, his first game since Boxing Day after he suffered a thigh injury.

The 29-year-old believes he could benefit from his enforced absence, with the Blues chasing the quadruple of the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and Carling Cup - with Tottenham waiting in the final a week on Sunday.

Lampard said: "Although it is great to be back after so long out, the break might have a positive effect for me as far as the rest of the season is concerned."

Lampard has regularly clocked up 50-plus games per season but has managed just 23 so far this term because of his injuries.

The former West Ham player added: "I feel so much fresher now, both mentally and physically.

"It's never really happened to me before that I've had to have so much time off. It's very frustrating because you can't even have much contact with the lads while you are spending long days at the training ground just trying to get fit.

"I've always been used to playing so many games but perhaps this will bring some extra freshness for me and a few other lads here who have been in the same boat. It could make for a really good end to the season now we are back."

As well as the return of Lampard, manager Avram Grant will welcome back his full complement of African Nations Cup players, while Ukraine striker Andriy Shevchenko has finally reported fit after a back injury.

Skipper John Terry has declared himself available for the upcoming matches against Huddersfield in the FA Cup on Saturday, Olympiacos in the Champions League in Athens on Tuesday and Tottenham at Wembley.

Grant has insisted he will not rush Terry back from the broken foot he sustained at Arsenal in December - the last time Chelsea lost a match in any competition.

Two disappointing draws against Portsmouth and Liverpool have checked the club's nine-match winning run but they will look for a big victory over Huddersfield at Stamford Bridge.

African aces Didier Drogba, Michael Essien, Salomon Kalou and Mikel John Obi will all want to prove their form ahead of the midweek trip to Greece, where an away victory will allow Chelsea to put one foot firmly in the Champions League quarter-finals.

Grant may recall Italian goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini for the FA Cup outing.

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