Boulahrouz adds to Chelsea woe

Chelsea FC defender Khalid Boulahrouz is facing a race against time to be fit for the trip to FC Porto in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League first knockout round tie on 21 February.

Ligament damage
The imposing Dutch international limped out of the 0-0 draw at Aston Villa FC last night that left the Premiership champions six points behind Manchester United FC. He was quickly determined to have suffered medial ligament damage that will rule him out for at least four weeks. The injury leaves Ricardo Carvalho as the club's only fit centre-half, as John Terry continues to recover from back surgery. Paulo Ferreira filled in for Boulahrouz last night but José Mourinho said he hoped to sign at least one new centre-back.

Standing firm
The Chelsea manager also revealed he would not pay "crazy money" for English talent. Among those linked have been Manchester City FC prodigy Micah Richards and Portsmouth FC veteran Sol Campbell, although no approaches have been confirmed. The 25-year-old Boulahrouz joined Chelsea from Hamburger SV in the summer and quickly helped fill the gap left by the outgoing Robert Huth and William Gallas. With that duo departing, Mourinho had always intended to add to his defensive options this winter regardless of the subsequent injuries to Terry and Boulahrouz.