Bosingwa blow compounds defensive worries

Explosive right back Jose Bosingwa will be out for three months after undergoing surgery on his left knee this week. 

The Portugal international, who has managed just 68 minutes since initially being injured against Wigan Athletic on September 26, has undergone successful surgery on his left knee and will now begin rehabilitation.

A statement released on Chelsea’s official website read: “Chelsea Football Club can confirm that Jose Bosingwa underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee this week. His recovery time will be approximately three months.”

The 27-year-old’s absence will mean the impressive Branislav Ivanovic is likely to maintain his position in the starting line up for the Blues.

Consolation for the Stamford Bridge outfit is that they do have plenty of cover across the back line, and in particular at right back, with Paulo Ferreira and Juliano Belletti providing ample cover.

The Blues, who lead the Barclays Premier League by five points from Arsenal and Manchester United, were, however, buoyed by the news that England left-back Ashley Cole does not need to go under the knife following a shin injury.

“Meanwhile, Ashley Cole is suffering from an aggravation of a depressed fracture of the tibia, originally picked up against Atletico Madrid at Stamford Bridge,” the statement added.

“The injury will not require surgery.”

However with the England left-back also set to spend weeks on the sideline, the Blues will be hoping that summer signing Yuri Zhirkov finds his fitness and impresses from the outset to cover for Cole. 

The £18 million Russian has not featured for the West Londoners with any kind of regularity.

The 26-year-old has played 18 minutes in the Champions League against Atletico Madrid three weeks ago and has not been seen since. He also appeared in a Carling Cup tie against Queens Park Rangers but is yet to make his Premier League debut.

By Joshua Kepreotis

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