Break needed: Lampard

Football: Chelsea manager Frank Lampard says starting the new English Premier League season on September 12 is too early and his players run the risk of sustaining injuries given the short turnaround between campaigns.

Chelsea trails Bayern Munich 30 heading into the second leg of their Champions League last16 tie on Sunday and, even if it fails l to overcome the deficit, Lampard’s side will have little over a month to recover before the new season begins.

‘‘The players need a break,’’ Lampard said. ‘‘That is why we have pulled two hamstrings and had players pull out of the game before this. I would like to think the Premier League would look seriously at that.’’ — Reuters