Zhirkov remains ineligible

21 July 2009 16:27
Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti remains unable to select new signing Yuri Zhirkov in pre-season because the Russia international has yet to be granted a work permit. The former CSKA Moscow star arrived at Stamford Bridge earlier in the summer after signing a three-year contract with last season's FA Cup finalists. But Zhirkov is not able to play during Chelsea's current pre-season tour of the USA because he has yet to be granted international clearance. Ancelotti told Chelsea's official website: "For Yuri Zhirkov is it not possible to put him in because we have to wait for his work permit. "He is working with the team on tour and is a very good player, but has a little problem with the language."

Source: SKY_Sports