Carvalho, the man who held Chelsea’s defence last year, is now again injured. One of the best defenders in the world is injured, yet Grant still asserts that despite this hole in defence, they should keep attacking. Carvalho, the most experienced player at Chelsea in regard to titles, is now out, yet newly appointed coach Avram Grant is staying positive.
According to Chelsea FC, Grant was very optimistic despite their immense injuries in the defence:
‘It’s no secret the two best left full-backs play at Chelsea, and there is a kind of rotation. Ashley was injured and Wayne Bridge played well so it was not a time to change,’ Grant explained.
‘[Their] one chance they scored, we scored one goal from many chances. I’m happy from the football, but of course not the result.
‘I think everybody had good chances to score,’ he continued. ‘All the forward players had good chances, but we continued to play good football.’
‘We have too many injuries. It’s not easy to play without all the back four from before. This is the reason we have a big squad, but it’s unusual.’
Lets face it, Chelsea are a very threatening squad, and the composure and rationale of the newly appointed manager can only further strengthen such a threat. Chelsea, evidently, are not out of the title race – unlike the ‘Scousers’ at Anfield. With injuries to Terry, Cole, Carvalho and Cech, Chelsea are on a thin line- falling one side will mean a collapse of a title contention – falling the other way will signify a definate threat to Title leaders Arsenal and Manchester United.
However, the problems for Chelsea will only further extend, with a significant number of African players temporarily departing for the African Nations Cup. Saloman Kalou, Didier Drogba, John Obi Mikel and Michael Essien will all be representing their nations in this disruptive tournament. With Chelsea’s defensive line-up already weakened, their midfield, in which three of the four that will be missing, play a significant role in the current Chelsea team, let alone their most dangerous striker being out too.
Are Chelsea really ‘up shit creek without a paddle?’ Or is this the usual exaggerated hyperbole? What do you think?