Chelsea Hit By Wright-Phillips Blow

In-form Wright-Phillips has been praised in recent weeks for his performances and was expected to win a place in Fabio Capello’s first England squad.

That now looks in doubt after he hurt his ankle when landing awkwardly on Saturday at St. Andrews.

It remains unclear how long the pacy winger will be out, but Chelsea boss Avram Grant was not sounding optimistic after the match.

“It is not looking good but we will have to wait and see” Grant told the club’s official website.

“He was very good in the last week so even if we are used to losing all the players who are in good form, we want him back as soon as possible.”

Chelsea already have key players Didier Drogba, Michael Essien and Salomon away at the African Nations Cup, and Claude Makelele, John Terry and Frank Lampard out injured.

We Deserved To Win - Grant Chelsea manager Avram Grant credited Birmingham City for their defensive resolve but maintained that despite a below-par p

Birmingham made it very difficult for the visitors and they hardly did themselves any favours, often looking sloppy and almost lethargic going forward.

It was almost as if the FA Cup holders were waiting on a mistake from the home side, as there was no fight to their forward line and much of the dirty work was made easy for Birmingham's compact defensive unit.

They got what they wanted when Claudio Pizarro charged towards a Juliano Belletti corner and headed home with just over ten minutes to go.

It remained 1-0, and speaking to the BBC after the game, Avram Grant praised the striker's persistence as he has endured a rough time since his move from Bayern Munich - indeed his last Premiership goal came in the reverse fixture on the opening day of the season months ago.

Grant underlined the importance of the victory, and was honest regarding the substandard football on show.

"It was very important to win," emphasised Grant. "It was not high quality but we deserved to win.

"We did not create that many chances. There was one but at the end of the day we won and that's what matters.

"We knew it would be a difficult game against Birmingham. They defended very well and had a high spirit."

The former Israel manager paid homage to Birmingham's resilience, citing similarly strong displays against fellow top sides Manchester United and Arsenal, with the latter drawing at Birmingham just last week and the former being made to fight all the way for their 1-0 victory.

Grant was full of praise for his side's determination as they continue to keep in touch with top two sides Manchester United and Arsenal. United lead the Gunners on goal difference only, and Chelsea trail the pair by just four points.

The Blues' victory came at a price, with Shaun Wright-Phillips going down to a nasty looking injury.

Avram Grant rued the ill fortune of the pacey winger, who was just starting to rediscover some of his best form, but will now join Chelsea's long list of absentees including Frank Lampard, club captain John Terry, Claude Makalele and Andriy Shevchenko who make up just part of Chelsea's lengthy injury list.

Didier Drogba, Michael Essien, Salomon Kalou and John Obi-Mikel are also absent, representing their respective countries at the African Cup of Nations.

Grant could not comment on the severity of Wright-Phillips' injury but conceded that it was not looking good for the ex-Manchester City ace.

"It's too early too tell," he said. "It's not looking so good, but it's too early to say we need to wait and see."

"Shaun was one of our best players in the last few weeks, so I wish for him to be well as soon as possible."

Sheva: I Love Italy Chelsea striker Andriy Shevchenko has expressed just how much he misses Italian football and culture.

The former European Footballer of the Year joined Chelsea from Milan in a £30m deal, however he has struggled to adapt in England.

“I feel nostalgic for Italy. I miss my friends and certain things about the country — the food for example,” Shevachenko told The Sun.

“And then I miss the atmosphere and high tension of Italian games. Things are more relaxed over here.”

Shevchenko spoke of the differences between the Italian and English styles of football.

“Italian football is fantastic. It is all about tactics and intelligence. Italian people appreciate great champions and good football,” he explained.

“English football is faster and more physical. The smaller teams try to cut the gap between themselves and the big clubs by playing with great strength.

"I could sum it up by saying Italian football is about finishing and logic, a bit like chess, and the English game is based on speed and instinct.”

Shevchenko has never displayed his best form for Chelsea and part of the reason for this he believes has been fitness and injury problems.

“My real problem is I have not been able to achieve any continuity,” the 31-year-old confessed.

“This season I was doing well, I had scored seven goals in my last 10 games, then all of a sudden back problems have got in my way.

“I’ll have to be out for a month. I’d like to be back playing regularly once again before people pass judgment on me.”

Lampard Comeback Delayed Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard has been forced to delay his comeback to first-team action, meaning that he is in danger of

Lampard had targeted today’s match against Birmingham for his comeback, but it appears his injury has not healed as well as expected meaning he misses out yet again.

The midfielder sustained the thigh injury against Aston Villa on Boxing Day and even with long sessions of rehabilitation at the club’s Cobham headquarters he has not recovered sufficiently.

With the international also unlikely to be risked in next weekend’s FA Cup clash with Wigan, time is running out for Lampard to show what he can do to new England boss Fabio Capello, with the danger that he will not make the Italian’s first squad.

With Michael Ballack filling in admirably and Chelsea in the midst of a great run of form, Avram Grant is not keen on rushing Lampard back prematurely.

He has reportedly accepted the situation knowing full well that he doesn’t want to come back too soon and inflict further damage on the thigh.

Forssell: Anelka Will Be World Class At Chelsea Former Chelsea striker Mikael Forssell believes Blues fans will see the very best of Nicolas Anelka,

Birmingham City's Mikael Forssell has spoken about Nicolas Anelka's £15m move to Chelsea.

The Finnish striker will face up against his old side - and Anelka - in Saturday's Premiership match at St. Andrews, and Forssell genuinely believes Chelsea have secured to services of a world class frontman.

"Nicolas Anelka is a great signing," said Forssell. "My footballing hero is Ronaldo and I see great similarities between him and Anelka.

"They both have the knack of not being involved in a game for 80 minutes and then suddenly popping up with something special.That makes Anelka my type of striker," he continued. "He possesses unbelievable talent and is up there with the best."

Weaker Than Usual?

Nevertheless, Forssell still believes his side can take points off Avram Grant's men this weekend.

"You look at Chelsea's squad now, with Michael Essien, Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard missing, and you think this is the time that you would actually choose to play them. That said, they can still call on some very good players and no one is better than Anelka."

Carvalho Welcomes New Chelsea Signings Ricardo Carvalho says Chelsea needed new faces in January

Chelsea have added to their already strong squad with the signings of Nicolas Anelka from Bolton Wanderers and defender Branislav Ivanovic from Lokomotiv Moscow.

Speaking about the new recruits, Portuguese defender Ricardo Carvalho acknowledged that the Blues perhaps needed a few fresh faces, and that manager Avram Grant and the board had made excellent choices.

"We needed some players to come in; they are good players as well," said Carvalho.

"I know Anelka very well because he has been playing here in England and he's a great striker and the defender, Ivanovic, is a great defender. He is young and I think it is important for him to come here as well.

"He can learn from playing in one of the best leagues in the world and also it is important for us because we have four players missing through the African Cup and there are some injured players as well."

Sheva Prays For Extended Run In Team Chelsea striker Andriy Shevchenko feels his game is suffering because of a lack of “continuity”.

The Ukrainian international arrived upon English shores for a cool £30m after becoming a modern legend at AC Milan, but the usual prolific striker has failed to live-up to his lofty billing in a Blues shirt.

Injuries have played their part in Shevchenko’s stop-start career in West London, but arguably the biggest obstacle came in the shape of previous manager Jose Mourinho, who resented the fact that the striker arrived at owner Roman Abramovich’s will rather than his own.

Despite his problems Shevchenko still managed to score 14 goals in all competitions last season, and after a stuttering start has bagged a further seven in 17 games this campaign.

However, the former European Footballer of the Year has seen his form hampered again after picking up an injury just before Christmas, and with more competition for a starting place arriving in the £15m form of Nicolas Anelka acting to compel the situation further, Shevchenko has reacted by claiming his ‘failure tag’ is unwarranted.

"In my first year I scored 14 goals. Admittedly that is not the 30 I scored at Milan, but I did not do as badly as people were making out," the Blues striker told Corriere della Sera.

"The real problem is that I cannot find any continuity.

"I was doing well this season, scoring seven goals in my last 10 matches, but then I suffered a back injury and will be on the sidelines for a month.

"Before I am judged I would like to enjoy a decent run in the side now that I have adapted to English football.

"Italian football is about tactics and logic, whereas England is different, it is all about speed and instinct."

Shevchenko has been constantly linked with a return to Milan since his arrival at Stamford Bridge, but the hit-man claims he is content in London.

"Am I looking for a return to AC? No," he said.

"I am happy here and want to stay. It is useless to look to the past.

"I could return in the future if I choose to stay in football, but at the moment I am planning on helping my own country once I retire."

Ivanovic Tipped To Be A Premiership Star Branislav Ivanovic will be a big hit at Chelsea, according to Birmingham striker Garry O'Connor, who knows t

O'Connor insists that he always knew that his former teammate would find his way to one of Europe's elite teams and, after the £9million move was sprung this week, he suggested that the only surprise to him was that it took this long for a big team to move for Ivanovic.

"Branislav is a fantastic player. He is a young boy (23) but I always knew he would end up in a world class game," said the Birmingham forward.

"I think he will be suited to this league. He is an athlete, is strong and powerful and he can play with the ball.

"He has got everything in his game. He is a really good player and its been a really good capture by Chelsea to get him.

"I think he will take his chance with both hands and it is a fantastic opportunity for him to come to Chelsea and play in the best league in the world. I am sure he will take it in his stride.

"He is a confident lad and I am just glad he is here in England. He can be a big star over here.

"I think his best position is right-back. He was a fantastic player for Lokomotiv. I am not sure why it never happened earlier, his move, but he will come to England and be a positive signing for Chelsea."

O'Connor might not have to wait long to get a chance to measure himself against his mate. His side play host to Chelsea at St Andrews on Saturday still buzzing from their unlikely draw against Arsenal last round.

Anelka: Drogba Must Stay At Chelsea New Chelsea signing Nicolas Anelka says Didier Drogba must do the right thing and stay at Stamford Bridge

Nicolas Anelka solved Chelsea's current striker crisis after completing his £15m move from Bolton Wanderers last week, but the transfer only served to compound fears that Didier Drogba would be leaving in the summer.

The Ivorian striker appears to have become unsettled since José Mourinho's departure in September, and has voiced several times through the French press his desire to find a new club.

Chelsea Partnership

But Anelka believes that Chelsea are the right team for Drogba, and says he will attempt to convince the Ivorian to stay once he returns from African Nations duty.

"I think when he comes back I will speak with him because he doesn't know anything about what happens when you leave England, said Anelka, who twice left the British Isles for Spain and then Turkey.

"I know because I did it and I know when I was outside of England and the Premier League it was hard. I would tell him to stay because he will not find what he has at Chelsea and in England anywhere else.

"I spoke with him yesterday and I told him I'm looking forward to playing with him," continued the former Arsenal and Real Madrid man. "I don't know what he thinks about his future but I will tell him to stay and we can be good together.

Leaving Isn't The Answer

"I [left] before, I know what happened in my life. I will speak to him and try to explain what happens when you leave. He is a big star in England and a big star in Chelsea and everybody loves him. It's up to him if he decides to leave - what can you do? - but I will tell him not to."

Age Factor

Another factor that would hinder Drogba's ability to ever return, says Anelka, is his age. "He's 29 I think and if he wants to come back it's going to be very difficult. I [left] when I was 20 so I could come back," the Frenchman added. "He's nearly 30, so if he signs somewhere and he regrets it, it's very difficult to come back.

No Arsenal Regrets

Yet despite his plea for Drogba to remain in England, the French international remains adamant that his big money move from Arsenal to Real Madrid was the right step to take. "I don't regret leaving Arsenal, I knew what I had to do," revealed Anelka.

"When Real Madrid come to you, it's difficult to say no. You never know what will happen in your future. I did what I had to do and I'm just happy because I won the Champions League. I have no regrets. Life is like that."

Not A Sulker

Often branded 'Le Sulk' earlier in his career for his moody nature and frequent transfer requests, Anelka says the tag was never justified and that he always has been a calm and quiet player. "It was more outside of football than football," he commented.

"People were talking about my character. I think it was wrong because if you ask all the players I played with they would never say anything wrong about me. I don't like to speak too much. Maybe people thought it was arrogance or something but I was very young and couldn't speak good English so it was very difficult for me."

Anelka could make his full Chelsea debut in this weekend's league match at Birmingham City

Terry: Arsenal Will Slip Away From The Top John Terry believes that Chelsea will have to catch Manchester United if they want to win the Premier Leag

The Blues captain has been very impressed with the Red Devils this season after their second half display against Newcastle at the weekend thinks that they are now favourites.

Chelsea maintained their quest for the top with a win against Tottenham Hotspur, while Arsenal were held at home by lowly Birmingham City.

"United are playing the best football and always score a lot. They are the big threat," Terry said.

"Arsenal are still up there but I can just see them slipping away a bit."

Liverpool also drew at the weekend and was slighlty more diplomatic than the majority of pundits who have ruled the Reds out completely from winning the the championships.

"It is going to be difficult for Liverpool to win it from the position they are in. If we can just keep winning and get our players back, we have a good chance," he added.

Terry: Arsenal Will Slip Away From The Top John Terry believes that Chelsea will have to catch Manchester United if they want to win the Premier Leag

The Blues captain has been very impressed with the Red Devils this season after their second half display against Newcastle at the weekend thinks that they are now favourites.

Chelsea maintained their quest for the top with a win against Tottenham Hotspur, while Arsenal were held at home by lowly Birmingham City.

"United are playing the best football and always score a lot. They are the big threat," Terry said.

"Arsenal are still up there but I can just see them slipping away a bit."

Liverpool also drew at the weekend and was slighlty more diplomatic than the majority of pundits who have ruled the Reds out completely from winning the the championships.

"It is going to be difficult for Liverpool to win it from the position they are in. If we can just keep winning and get our players back, we have a good chance," he added.

Sunderland To Secure Sidwell Loan Switch Out-of-favour Chelsea midfielder Steve Sidwell is set for a four-month loan deal at Sunderland...

Sunderland boss Roy Keane is said to be confident of landing Chelsea's Steve Sidwell on a loan deal until the end of the season.

The Northern Echo reports that the 25-year-old, who has failed to make an impact since switching from Reading to the Bridge in summer - could make a transfer north at the end of the month.

However, while Chelsea boss Avram Grant would not fight too hard to hold onto Sidwell, all else being equal, he is apparently reluctant to sanction an immediate move due to the loss of John Obi Mikel to the African Cup of Nations.

Still, Keane feels that his idea to first loan Sidwell, rather than looking for a permanent deal from the outset, will allow the move to take place without too many problems.

Blackburn Rovers are also in with an outside chance of landing the former Arsenal youth.

Drogba To Anelka: I Am Chelsea's Star Chelsea striker Didier Drogba has insisted he is unconcerned about the club signing Nicolas Anelka from Bolton

I Am The Star

The Ivorian striker, along with Salomon Kalou, is in Ghana for the African Nations' Cup, leaving The Blues short in the striking department.

Faced with losing serious ground during the coming five weeks, Chelsea have been quick to complete the signing of Nicolas Anelka from Bolton, which, while offering respite at the moment, could lead to problems.

When the Africans return, Chelsea will have five strikers at their disposal, but what is potentially more worrying is the fact that either Drogba or Anelka will have to sit on the bench unless Grant decides to change formation.

However, the Ivorian striker is unconcerned, and insists he remains the star.

"I am not arrogant, but I do believe I am a big star for Chelsea," he told the News of the World.

"When I return, I will be going at it 200 per cent because I want to win some titles this season."

"I am not worried by reinforcements in the Chelsea attack. Anelka arriving is no problem for me. It will only make the team more competent."

We Could Play Together

He also believes he can forge a strike partnership with the Frenchman.

"I've played alongside lots of other strikers at the club, and we could do the same," he added.

There have been reports that if Anelka can strike it rich, Chelsea may be willing to offload Drogba to Milan in the summer, after the striker had three separate run-ins with the club bosses since Jose Mourinho's departure.

Terry Hails 'Great' Anelka Chelsea captain John Terry has given high praise to new signing Nicolas Anelka, insisting the French forward will give the

After lengthy speculation, Chelsea finally swooped for their man last week. Bolton initially rebuffed the Blues' approach, but when Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich put £15 million on the table, Gary Megson's hand was forced into selling his star player.

Terry could not be more delighted. Still recovering from injury, the skipper observed the ex-Arsenal man make his debut for Chelsea yesterday, coming on as a substitute during the 2-0 victory over Tottenham.

"I feel we're getting everything - he gives us options," said Terry.

"He gives us pace, and that stretches teams.

"He scores great goals for every club he's been at. He has all-round quality and will be great for us."

Anelka has been regarded as a major prospect for many years, but never realised his full potential after moving from club to club.

At Bolton, though, the France international had seemingly reformed his attitude and his performances were as good as ever. Terry believes the striker is now at his peak both mentally and physically and Chelsea can only gain from his arrival.

"He came on and got on well with everyone instantly," said Terry. "He will fit in very well at our place."

Anelka has played for a string of Premiership clubs, such as Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City, Bolton and now Chelsea - which he hopes will be his last.