Chelsea Trying to Stay in Premier League Title Race

Saturday, 29 December 2007

Chelsea has been losing ground recently to Manchester United and Arsenal in the Premier League but Chelsea manager Avram Grant said his team is still in the race. The problems for the Blues continue to mount as they are fighting injuries and suspensions as they head into the New Year.

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Chelsea drew 4-4 at home to Aston Villa on Wednesday but they lost defenders Ricardo Carvalho and Ashley Cole who were both sent off. The two players will be suspended for three matches. On Saturday, Chelsea host Newcastle and then go to Fulham on Tuesday. Grant believes his team can get the six points and get back in the race. "As long as we have a chance we will do everything we can," Grant said. "We will not give up. Any difficulty for me is a challenge. We dropped the points so I'm not happy with this.”

Chelsea is already dealing with injuries to defender John Terry, striker Didier Drogba and winger Florent Malouda. Now they will have to play without midfielder Frank Lampard who has a thigh injury and without Carvalho and Cole for a few games. "I want them back as soon as possible," Grant said. Missing Lampard will definitely hurt. He is expected to miss several weeks with a torn thigh muscle. "Scans have revealed a tear in Frank Lampard's right thigh," a Chelsea statement said, "The tear is not in the same leg that Frank injured earlier this season. He will begin his rehabilitation immediately and we hope to have him back playing within a few weeks."

In addition to the previously stated injuries and suspensions, Chelsea will be without Michael Essien, John Obi Mikel and Salomon Kalou as they take part in the African Nations Cup. Grant has said he will have to sign some players and look at the transfer market. "I was hoping to use the transfer window but now, because of the suspensions and injuries, as well as the African Cup, I must think about using it more," Grant said.

Chelsea sits in third place in the Premier League standings, 7 points back of Manchester United and six points behind second place Arsenal. Chelsea is just two points in front of fourth place Liverpool and three points clear of fifth place Manchester City.