Source: Daily_Mail
Chelsea fear facing Stoke barrage without crocked defender Carvalho
Ricardo Carvalho has cast a shadow over Chelsea's FA Cup preparations by pulling out of Portugal's friendly with China.[LNB]Blow: Carvalho (right) tackles Inter Milan's Diego Milto[LNB]The Chelsea defender was selected by coach Carlos Queiroz for the World Cup warm-up fixture and looked set for his 61st cap after training on Tuesday without any ill-effects.[LNB]But he is believed to have reported some discomfort in his knee on Wednesday morning, and, after having him examined by Portugal's medical staff, Queiroz ruled him out and handed his place in central defence to Sporting Lisbon's Tonel. [LNB]With a quarter-final tie against Stoke at Stamford Bridge on Sunday,Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti is now anxiously awaiting an update on theseriousness of the 31-year old's latest injury setback. [LNB]Mindfulof the physical threat posed by Ricardo Fuller, Ancelotti is eager tofield a full-strength combination in the centre of defence as he bidsto move a step nearer Wembley in his first season in English football.[LNB] Ancelotti will lay into Mourinho - but only if Chelsea win Premier League titleCarlo pledges future to Chelsea, saying he has no intention of taking Italian jobCapello pleads with England fans to lay off his axed captain Terry at WembleyLEO'S LONDON: If Joe Cole is to burn bright again, the only way forward is through the Chelsea exitCHELSEA FC
