ABOVE: Frank Lampard will be ready to start the season for Chelsea

Frank Lampard will be fit to start the season for Chelsea – despite pulling out of the England squad with a sore throat.

The Blues midfielder withdrewfrom Fabio Capello’s squad to face Holland before the game was called off because of riots in London.

But he was back in training at Chelsea’s Cobham HQ yesterday and is expected to face Stoke at the Britannia Stadium on Sunday.

The news is a boost for boss Andre Villas-Boas, who feared Frank Lampard’s throat infection might sideline him.

But the Blues were dealt a blow last night when striker Fernando Torres suffered concussion playing for Spain against Italy.

He was forced off after just 15 minutes following a blow to the head and he could now be a doubt for the trip to Stoke.

Chelsea will definitely be without their most in-form player at Stoke – according to Blues skipper John Terry.

He claims Daniel Sturridge has been the star of their pre-season campaign and is set to make a big impact this season.

But Sturridge is suspended after being sent off in his final game for Bolton, where the striker spent a successful loan spell last season.

Terry said: “He has been brilliant all pre-season. “It is just unfortunate he has his three-game ban, otherwise I am sure he would have been the first name down on the team sheet.”

Terry also claims Chelsea are in good shape to make a fast start, adding: “Fitnesswise we are looking good and playing well also.

Hopefully this momentum can continue into the first game against Stoke.”