Jose Bosingwa and Michael Essien are struggling to be fit in time
for Chelsea's Champions League return leg against Inter Milan at
Stamford Bridge in just under a fortnight's time.
Essien has not played for Chelsea since he suffered a
hamstring injury against Apoel Nicosia in December and his problems
have been further compounded by a knee problem he sustained while
with Ghana in the African Nations Cup.
The 27-year-old had an operation in January but he is
currently with left-back Ashley Cole, who is recovering from a
fractured ankle, at a sporting injury clinic in France.
Chelsea trail 2-1 to Inter from the first leg of their
last-16 tie in the San Siro and it is unlikely Essien will be fit
in time for the return encounter against former boss Jose Mourinho
and his side.
Bosingwa is back in light training after knee surgery but
still short of match practice. However, Russian international Yury
Zhirkov, who missed the first leg with a calf problem, should be
fit to play at left-back.
Portugal midfielder Deco, who has been struggling with a knee
problem, could be in line for a return against Stoke in the FA Cup
quarter-final at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Chelsea's England international Joe Cole insists
full-back Branislav Ivanovic should be the club's player of the
year even though Ivory Coast striker Didier Drogba has 25 goals so
far this season.
"You look at a lot of full-backs in teams at the moment and
they play like wingers," said Cole. "Just look at Ashley Cole and
Branislav Ivanovic in our team. They are as good at attacking as
most wingers and I admire a good footballer.
"I think Ivanovic for us is fantastic. If I am going to give
someone a mention I am going to give it to Ivanovic.
"He is a great player for Chelsea. I think he has been our
player of the year to be honest."
