By MARK IRWIN
JOHN TERRY and Frank Lampard could both be axed for the Europa League final.
The Chelsea stalwarts are expected to be left on the bench as boss Rafa Benitez gets ruthless for Wednesday’s clash with Benfica.
Midfielder Lampard — one goal shy of Bobby Tambling’s 202-goal club record — will start tomorrow’s Premier League game at Aston Villa.
But Benitez made no promises for the final, saying: “I will do what I have to do to win it and if I can help Frank at the same time, I will do it.
“At centre-half the competition is really hard. Gary Cahill, Branislav Ivanovic and David Luiz are also doing well.
“So now we have four centre-backs who have to compete with each other and I cannot say anything about Terry playing in the final. I haven’t decided yet.”
Lampard, 34, has just three weeks left on his contract.
But he is still hoping the club offer him a new deal — especially with Jose Mourinho expected to replace Benitez this summer.
Lamps said: “I’ve always said I want to spend all of my career here. I don’t know if Jose coming back would help my cause.
“But it would be great for the club because he’s one of the greatest managers in world football.”
Lampard’s endorsement of Mourinho was echoed by fellow midfielder John Obi Mikel who also played for ‘the Special One’ in his last three-year stint at Stamford Bridge.
Mikel said: “If Mourinho is the one it’s going to be a massive, massive plus for us because he’s a great guy and he did buy me.
“On and off the pitch he’s a fantastic human being. He is someone who listens to his all players and everyone wants to work and fight for him.”
