England midfielder Lampard recently returned from a four-month lay-off caused by hernia and groin problems. The 32-year-old picked up a calf injury during training earlier this week, but had still been expected to feature tonight as Carlo Ancelotti's men aim to reduce the 10-point gap on leaders Manchester United.
However, given Chelsea face Everton in the fourth round of the FA Cup at Stamford Bridge on Saturday lunchtime and then Sunderland in the Premier League just three days later, it is understood the decision was taken to give Lampard some extra rest and recovery time.
However, captain John Terry, who had been a doubt with a slight back problem, did make the journey to the north-west, Chelsea confirmed this morning on their club website.
The Premier League champions, meanwhile, look to be close to finalising a deal to bring Brazil centre-half David Luiz, 23, to Stamford Bridge.
Luiz, who would be cup-tied for the Champions League, did not feature in the Benfica squad for the 4-2 victory over Nacional on Saturday ahead of his anticipated switch to west London.
As part of the agreement, Chelsea could loan out a young defender to the Portuguese side, with left-back Patrick van Aanholt or centre-half Jeffrey Bruma possible candidates.
Source: PA
Source: PA