Chelsea facing injury crisis ahead of Villa clash
Scolari fears injuries could affect his side against Villa on Sunday
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Saturday, 04, Oct 2008 10:15
Chelsea are facing an injury crisis ahead of their match against Aston Villa tomorrow, with only 15 first-team players able to train yesterday.
The Blues, who are already without Deco, Michael Essien and Ricardo Carvalho, picked-up further injuries during their 0-0 draw against CFR Cluj in the Champions League on Wednesday.
Didier Drogba is likely to miss the game with Villa, although his injury is not as bad as was first feared. But now fellow striker Nicolas Anelka could also be absent for the match.
Manager Luiz Felipe Scolari revealed: "He [Anelka] has a little problem with muscle spasms.
"He did not train on Friday but I think he will train the day before the match. He has ten assists this season, and we need him to make it 12."
Scolari said he had to make John Terry sit out training after he sustained a knock, but is confident his captain will play through the pain on Sunday.
"He is a different player, he wants to play all the games," said the Brazilian. "I need sometimes to send him away, go in, because he wants to play and train more."
The former Portugal boss admits Villa have been in good form at the start of the season and are a dangerous team to play against.
Scolari thinks Martin O'Neill's side will be given a boost when they see the Chelsea line-up.
He said: "I think Aston Villa is more confident because they played very well this season, and have won four games, drawing one and losing one.
"When they see Deco out, Carvalho out, Didier out, maybe Terry out, maybe Anelka out, they are more confident, but I have players to win the game and a good squad."
Chelsea are looking to preserve their place at the top of the league this weekend but Villa could overtake them with a win at Stamford Bridge as they are just one point behind.