Coventry manager Frank Lampard has offered an update on the condition of Nigerian midfielder Frank Onyeka ahead of the crucial Championship clash against Bristol City on Saturday.

Onyeka, who joined the Sky Blues on loan during the winter transfer window, was forced off early in the second half of the victory over Stoke City over the weekend.

The Super Eagles midfielder had earlier received treatment in the first half following a knock but managed to complete the opening 45 minutes.

However, just ten minutes into the restart, he was replaced by Victor Torp, raising concerns over his fitness.

Speaking to CoventryLive, Lampard admitted Onyeka's withdrawal was precautionary, citing the physical demands placed on the midfielder since his arrival.

"Yeah, I'm not sure. I think it's a lot of fatigue and maybe a bit of a knock," the former Chelsea manager said. "He was struggling a bit so he had to come off."

Since making the switch to the CBS Arena, Onyeka has featured in four matches in just twelve days, playing key roles in victories over Middlesbrough, West Brom, Sheffield United, and Stoke City. 

Lampard revealed he had considered resting the 28-year-old against Stoke but ultimately decided to start him due to his growing importance to the team.

"Yeah, and I was aware of that," Lampard revealed. "There was a question about playing him, probably, physically, but the influence that he's had so far meant that he started the game."

Coventry remain firmly in the race for automatic promotion to the Premier League, and Lampard will be hoping Onyeka can shake off the fatigue in time for the trip to Bristol City as the Sky Blues aim to maintain their strong momentum in the Championship run-in.

Adeyemi Adewale