Chelsea’s options at centre-half for next month’s Champions League final against Bayern Munich have been left threadbare amid fears that Gary Cahill may not recover from the hamstring injury sustained at Barcelona in time to feature in the showpiece on May 19th.
Cahill, who has described feeling a “pop” in the back of his thigh as he stretched into an early challenge at the Camp Nou, lasted only 12 minutes of the semi-final. Scans confirm significant damage to the hamstring.
Manager Roberto Di Matteo was cagey over Cahill’s prospects but there is an acceptance that the England defender is a big doubt for the final.
“We hope, and we will try, to get him back fit as soon as possible,” said Di Matteo. “But at the moment . . . It’s too early to clarify that . . . We hope that he’ll recover as quickly as possible.”
The loss of the €8.5 million signing from Bolton would be a big blow given his recent form and the suspensions that have stretched the London club’s resources in the Champions League.
Cahill’s centre-half partner John Terry is banned, while David Luiz has a hamstring injury. The Brazilian hopes to return before the final.
