Chelsea could be without John Obi Mikel for the rest of the season after he suffered a knee injury in the defeat by Tottenham.
After limping out of the Premier League game at White Hart Lane, scans later revealed that the Nigeria international had suffered a torn meniscus.
According to Sky Sports News, Mikel will miss Sunday's home clash with Stoke and could also miss the crucial clash at Liverpool and the season finale at home to Wigan on 9th May.
The news will come as a blow to Blues coach Carlo Ancelotti who is battling to preserve the club's slender one-point advantage over Manchester United.
Michael Ballack stepped off the bench to replace Mikel at the weekend and the veteran Germany international could get the nod against the Potters.
Mikel will not require surgery to cure the problem and will be hoping to have recovered in time for the FA Cup final against Portsmouth on 15th May.
"It's a little tear in the knee meniscus," Mikel told kickoffnigeria.com.
"I won't play this weekend, and the doctors say it will take about three weeks to heal, although there will be no surgery."
It's a massive blow for Chelsea who also received news that Michael Essien will not feature again this season.
Atletico Madrid's Argentine striker Sergio Aguero has already agreed a £40 million summer transfer move to Chelsea, according to ESPNsoccernet sources.
Chelsea took a huge step towards the Premier League title as they saw off Liverpool with a 2-0 win at Anfield.
Liverpool started the game well but were stunned when Steven Gerrard played a terrible backpass to let Didier Drogba through on goal and give Chelsea the lead. Conspiracy theorists will have their thoughts as many Liverpool fans had wanted Chelsea to win in order to stop rivals Manchester United claiming the title, but on the pitch, the Blues were much the better side.
Post time 18-4-2010 02:30 AM
