Huth headache for Chelsea
Wednesday, February 2, 2005
Article summary
Chelsea FC have lost defender Robert Huth for up to two months after he suffered a knee ligament injury.
Article body
Ligament damage
The Premiership club, who face FC Barcelona on 23 February in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League first knockout round tie, announced the injury this morning after a scan revealed the German international had suffered ligament damage in Sunday's 2-0 defeat of Birmingham City FC in the FA Cup fourth round.
No operation
"He was really unlucky because someone fell on him," said club physiotherapist Mike Banks. "At least he won't need surgery." Huth, who scored the first goal against Birmingham, had been making his first start of the season, coming in for the rested William Gallas alongside John Terry.
Injury situation
The injury leaves Chelsea manager José Mourinho short of cover in central defence, with Portugal's Ricardo Carvalho continuing his recovery from a broken toe. However, Mourinho has previously used young full-back Glen Johnson in the centre while midfielder Aleksei Smertin could drop back if needed.