Lampard joined Chelsea from West Ham for �11m in June 2001

Chelsea and England midfielder Frank Lampard says he hopes to return to action after the international break.

The 32-year-old has not played for club or country since undergoing a hernia operation on 31 August.

The former West Ham man told BBC London 94.9: "I don't really want to set dates on it, but I'm hoping after the international break.

"I've got a good couple of weeks to work with the physios and get fit. Hopefully I won't be too far away."

Lampard's last appearance for Chelsea came in the 2-0 win over Stoke City on 28 August.

He missed England's Euro 2012 qualifying victories over Bulgaria and Switzerland and will also sit out visit of Montenegro on 12 October.

"It wasn't a simple hernia. I've had a bit of an alterior injury to that as it has gone on, so it's a bit of an awkward one," added Lampard.

"I'm the most keen person to get back on the football pitch. I'm a horrible person to be around with frustration when I'm not playing, so it's been frustrating for me."

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