Football United

Chelsea FC hope to have Arjen Robben back in their side next month after confirming that the Dutch winger sustained two "tiny fractures" in his left foot during last week's Premiership victory at Blackburn Rovers FC.

Scan inconclusive
One of Chelsea's leading lights as they push for honours on four fronts this season, Robben scored the only goal after five minutes at Ewood Park, only to be substituted six minutes later following Aaron Mokoena's stern challenge. An initial scan proved inconclusive as the 21-year-old's foot was too swollen, although the club were finally able to perform a proper one yesterday.

Famous injury
Chelsea physiotherapist Mike Banks said of the broken bones: "One is a chip on the side of his foot, the other is a small break on the third metatarsal. But this is not the traditional metatarsal that has become so famous since the last [FIFA] World Cup and which has kept Scott Parker out for two months, the fractures are tiny and he could be playing next month."

'Massive blow'
Robben, who missed almost three months at the start of the campaign after breaking his foot in a pre-season friendly against AS Roma, said: "It's a massive blow and comes just at the moment when I was in top shape and very fit." He will definitely miss the English League Cup final against Liverpool FC on 27 February and both legs of the UEFA Champions League encounter against FC Barcelona.

Champions League draw
Should the Londoners progress, the quarter-finals are scheduled for 5/6 and 12/13 April. The draw for the last eight and semi-finals will take place on 18 March, ten days after the Spanish league leaders arrive at Stamford Bridge for the second leg of what promises to be a thrilling tie.

Source: uefa.com