Mystery over Yuri knee injury with Chelsea medics left baffled by Zhirkov

29 October 2009 15:34
Yuri Zhirkov admits that Chelsea's doctors have been baffled by the knee injury that has restricted him to just two appearances for the Blues.[LNB]Sportsmail understands that Stamford Bridge medics sought advice from experts in France to explain swelling in the Russia star's right knee.[LNB]Mystery: Zhirkov is been dogged by a knee injury[LNB]The frustrated 26-year-old, who moved from CKSA Moscow for £18million in the summer, was even told a change in diet and climate could be to blame.[LNB]Zhirkov hurt his right knee on Chelsea's pre-season tour of America and was subsequently told it was a compound injury that had built up during his time at CSKA Moscow.[LNB]The winger suffered a further setback when playing for his country against Germany earlier this month and then complained of swelling after playing just 20 minutes as a second-half substitute against Atletico Madrid last week.[LNB]'I suffered a painful blow on the knee early in the game against Germany,' he said. [LNB]'It ached a little afterwards, but there was no sign of a continuing problem.[LNB]'After the match with Atletico, the knee swelled up terribly and the doctors couldn't explain exactly what was happening.[LNB]'There was even a theory that my body was reacting to a complete change in climate, food and every else.[LNB] Putting it all behind him: Yuri Zhirkov celebrates with his Chelsea team-mates[LNB]'There was talk of an operation, but now, after pumping out liquid on the knee, it is more or less normal, thank God.'[LNB]  Zhirkov hopes to be training again by the end of the week but is unlikely to be in contention to face Bolton on Saturday.[LNB]He is yet to make his Premier League debut and has played just 80 minutes for Chelsea, earning his only start in the Carling Cup against QPR last month.[LNB]Chelsea will boost their physio team in the new year with the appointment of Reading's John Fearn, who joined the Royals from West Ham United in 2001.[LNB]  Chelsea whizkid Sturridge finally gets chance to impress Carlo in the CupChelsea 4 Bolton: Blues ease into last eight with comfortable victoryCHELSEA FC

Source: Daily_Mail