Coventry City manager Frank Lampard has expressed uncertainty over whether Super Eagles midfielder Frank Onyeka will make his debut in Saturday’s Championship fixture against Oxford United, citing personal reasons.

Onyeka recently joined the Sky Blues from Premier League side Brentford on a winter loan deal, with an obligation to make the move permanent should Coventry secure promotion to the top flight.

The Nigerian midfielder has already begun training with his new teammates at the CBS Arena and was expected to be in contention for his first appearance. 

However, Lampard revealed that Onyeka’s availability for the weekend remains in doubt as his wife is due to give birth.

“He's been training with us since Tuesday, so he’s been with us,” Lampard was quoted as saying by Coventry Telegraph.

“His wife’s due to have a baby at any moment so that’s obviously a big positive for him but we have to keep an eye on that in terms of this weekend."

"But it’s been great to have him in. He’s very humble, has a very nice way about him on and off the pitch. He’s been very seamless to join the group.”

Lampard also outlined what Onyeka is expected to bring to the team once available, highlighting his physical presence and experience at the highest level.

“He’ll hopefully bring his qualities, which we know a lot about in terms of his physical presence in midfield, his attributes for winning the ball back and driving with the ball," he revealed. 

“He’s obviously played at a higher level in the Premier League and as we’ve seen him recently in AFCON and played to a very high level, so we think he’s a good addition for us."

The former Chelsea manager noted that Onyeka offers a different set of attributes to those currently in the squad and believes his arrival will strengthen competition in Coventry’s midfield.

"He brings a different quality and probably a different profile to the midfield players that we’ve got."

“As I say, the profile is slightly different and I think that helps us in terms of the options and the competition in the middle of the park for us,” Lampard added. 

Nicknamed 'Frank the Tank' for his robust style of play, Onyeka will be eager to put a difficult start to the season behind him and make a strong impact in the Championship. 

The Nigerian International will be hoping to rediscover his best form and play a key role as Coventry push for promotion to the Premier League.

Adeyemi Adewale