Final place comes at cost for Chelsea

16 April 2012 08:17

Chelsea were sweating over a potential defensive injury crisis ahead of their Champions League semi-final first leg against Barcelona on Wednesday.

David Luiz was due to undergo a scan to determine whether he had any chance of playing in the clash at Stamford Bridge after being carried off on a stretcher with a hamstring injury during Sunday night's 5-1 FA Cup semi-final win against Tottenham.

Replacement Gary Cahill also left Wembley with a foot problem, from which he appeared to have more chance of recovering than Luiz.

With captain John Terry still playing through the pain of broken ribs, caretaker manager Roberto Di Matteo could be down to one fully fit centre-half in Branislav Ivanovic, who is available despite his domestic suspension.

Di Matteo's decision to play his strongest team paid off handsomely in terms of the result but was always going to be a risk three days before the visit of Barca.

He said of Luiz's chance of being available: "It looks to be doubtful at the moment for the next game."

Didier Drogba, who scored a spectacular opening goal on Sunday, also left the field with a hamstring problem and Di Matteo added: "We've picked up some bruises and niggly injuries, so it's a matter of assessing the team."

The Italian was confident those who played on Sunday could manage another game within three days during Chelsea's punishing end to the season.

"I think the boys are looking quite fit at the moment," he said.

"I was just focusing and concentrating on this game to go to the final."

Source: PA