Frank Lampard Injury: Latest News and Updates on England Star's Thigh Injury

A thigh injury could keep veteran midfielder Frank Lampard from playing for England in Euro 2012. The Chelsea star only arrived for training yesterday after finishing UEFA Champions League duties with the Blues, according to John Cross of the Daily Mirror.

The report states 21-year-old Liverpool young gun Jordan Henderson is standing by while the team awaits word on the severity of the injury. He has made only two appearances for the Three Lions whereas Lampard has made 90. That's a big difference heading into a major tournament.

Keep checking back for all the latest news and updates on Lampard's condition.

UPDATE: May 31 -- 12: 57 PM ET -- By Wes O'Donnell

The worst has become official for the Three Lions. According to BBC Sport, Lampard has been ruled out of the Euro Cup campaign:

"

Frank Lampard ruled out of England’s Euro 2012 campaign because of a thigh injury

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) May 31, 2012"

As reported before, Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson is going to be called up to replace the Chelsea man and the FA reports he'll join his teammates pending a UEFA medical inspection.

The squad is already without veteran Gareth Barry and now they'll be down a second senior player in one of the most competitive tournaments in the world.

Like Barry, Lampard's experience and leadership are irreplaceable on such a stage.

England has struggled mightily in international competitions in the past decade and this is only going to make things more difficult on recently-appointed coach Roy Hodgson.

What It Means

Losing Lampard would be a tough pill to swallow for England before the tournament even begins. He really stepped up in the second half of the season for Chelsea, helping the team complete a miracle run to the UCL title.

His experience and leadership won't be replaced. With the team operating under new manager Roy Hodgson, having a veteran presence like Lampard around would have made the transition much easier for the entire squad.

Lampard marks the second key injury to the Three Lions midfield, with Gareth Barry already going down.

What Happens Next

Pending further tests revealing positive news, it sounds like Henderson will be expected to get up to full speed quickly with the team's first tournament game set to take place on June 11. England hosts Belgium Saturday in the last tuneup before leaving for Poland. It's a terrific opportunity for Henderson, but also a lot of pressure if he gets called into action.

Lampard will turn 34 next month, so if he's forced to miss Euro 2012, his future at the international level will be in question. No player likes to go out after an injury, but with rising stars like Henderson and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain likely to become key pieces, there may not be a place for him.

Whatever happens with Lampard, the Three Lions can't allow it to have a negative impact on them. They open with a tricky test against France and can't afford to dig themselves an early hole.