Source: Team_Talk
Spartak lose Alex for Chelsea test
Spartak Moscow are reeling from the loss of Alex ahead of Tuesday's Champions League Group F clash with Chelsea at the Luzhniki Stadium.[LNB] The Brazilian midfielder, a key figure in Valery Karpin's side, has been ruled out of the game after sustaining a thigh injury in Friday's 3-0 win over Alania Vladikavkaz.[LNB]It is a bitter blow to Spartak, who - like Chelsea - boast an unbeaten record in this season's Champions League campaign.[LNB]The Moscow side defeated Marseille 1-0 away and MSK Zilina 3-0 at home in their opening two games to lie second in the pool on goal difference to the English champions.[LNB]"Medical tests, which were done on Saturday, revealed a minor tear," confirmed Spartak coach Karpin.[LNB]"He'll need about seven to 10 days to recover."[LNB]Alex was removed from the action at half-time and his absence is one of a number of injury concerns ahead of the visit of Chelsea.[LNB]But Brazilian striker Welliton is expected to recover from a pulled thigh muscle in time to play along with Republic of Ireland winger Aiden McGeady, who did not play against Alania because of a leg injury collected on international duty.[LNB]Chelsea will be looking to banish the nightmare of their last visit to the 80-seater Luzhniki Stadium, where they lost the 2008 Champions League final to Manchester United on penalties.[LNB]Captain John Terry's missed spot-kick paved the way for a United victory after the game had ended 1-1 following extra time.[LNB]Terry slipped on the wet grass as he went to take his penalty but the surface in the stadium is now artificial.[LNB]The two victories for the Muscovites has given fans renewed belief that they can qualify for the knockout stage.[LNB]"We had a great start, probably better than some of our fans had expected," added Karpin.[LNB]"But we all know that beating Chelsea would be a totally different proposition from what we had before. So we're not getting carried away by any means.[LNB]"I don't want to predict the result. We have made a good start and are well positioned in the group now. We will need to put the handcuffs on (Didier) Drogba and (Nicolas) Anelka."[LNB]Karpin may only need one pair of the shackles as Drogba remains doubtful for the game after suffering from a fever that forced him out of Saturday's goalless draw at Aston Villa in the Barclays Premier League.[LNB]However, manager Carlo Ancelotti is ready to welcome back Daniel Sturridge, Salomon Kalou and defender Alex into the squad, while Yury Zhirkov is expected to run a gauntlet of hate on Tuesday.[LNB]He played for Spartak's rivals CSKA for five years before leaving to join the London club last year.[LNB]Chelsea left-back Ashley Cole has lost two Champions League finals, one with Arsenal in 2006 and another with Chelsea in the Luzhniki two years ago.[LNB]"To this day I still think about the Champions League finals that I've lost," said Cole.[LNB]"Little things like that come into your head, and it makes you more determined to go out and train harder with the guys every day."
