New arrival at Derby County of England, Efe Ambrose will not see action with the team this week, as The Rams’ coach, Frank Lampard says the ace defender needs at least two weeks of a recovery process, to help him shake off the effects of inactivity.
Lampard noted that Ambrose has been inactive for almost four months, after terminating his contract with Hibernian of Scotland, which put the former Super Eagles star in no condition for an early debut with his new club, sports247.ng gathered.
The 30-year-old Ambrose, a product of Canada 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup, was a free agent after leaving the Scottish Premiership side Hibernian last month.
Ambrose, who has been training with Frank Lampard’s side this week and the 2013 Afcon winner has been brought in after captain Curtis Davies was ruled out for the rest of the season by an injury.
During his days with Cetlic, Ambrose made 168 appearances, won four Scottish Premiership titles and featured in the UEFA Champions League.
Lampard admitted he will find Ambrose’s experience useful, especially as Derby are currently seventh in the Championship, level on points with Middlesbrough in sixth, and nine behind an automatic promotion spot.
However, in contrast with initial reports that Ambrose could get his debut this midweek, Lampard has stated categorically that the versatile player, who has also starred for Kaduna United, SC Ashdod of Israel and Celtic of Scotland, will have to wait much longer to play.
Lampard added that Ambrose’s situation is similar to that ex-Chelsea and Arsenal left-back, Ashley Cole, who has also been ruled out of early action with Derby, because he only recently returned from injury.
Lampard expatiated: “Efe will have to be assessed. My feeling is he is a week or two away from being in the squad.
“There was certainly an issue with match fitness, as there has been with Ashley Cole, none of their own fault.
“Ashley was out of season, and Efe was out of contract. Whatever you do in that situation does not equate to training and be prepared to play a match.”
