Mendes' injury misery
02 Mar 2007 - 11:21:58
Portsmouth midfielder Pedro Mendes has been forced to endure an operation on his damaged ankle ligaments and could be sidelined until the end of April.
The former Tottenham star sustained the injury in the defeat at Blackburn Rovers and, after seeing a consultant, it was decided that surgery would be in the player's long-term interests.
Meanwhile, Dejan Stefanovic is confident that Pompey can wreck Chelsea's hopes of retaining their Premiership crown when Jose Mourinho's side visit Fratton Park this weekend.
Chelsea could be 12 points behind leaders Manchester United when the game kicks off and Stefanovic said: "After Blackburn we have to take something from the game - all three points.
"It doesn't matter if it is Chelsea. We've beaten Manchester United in the past.
"Why shouldn't we do it against Chelsea? We have a better squad and players now than a couple of years ago.
"Chelsea have not performed this season like they have over the previous two years. But they still have a big squad with big players.
"We haven't won or even drawn against them in the Premiership. So we have to lift ourselves and perform well. We are capable of beating anyone at Fratton Park. It is not going to be easy for us - but it is not going to be easy for them.
"If we perform well and take something from the game it could be difficult for Chelsea to win the league. It could be the end for them. United deserve to win the league. They play the best football and have the best squad."