Blues sweat on key duo

Chelsea have been hit by more injury problems as Ricardo Carvalho faces three weeks out with a thigh strain.

The influential defender picked up the injury towards the end of Wednesday night's 3-0 win at Hull and is now facing a spell out of the side, news which is a blow to Luiz Felipe Scolari.

The full extent of the problem is not yet known and he will undergo tests but Scolari fears the player could be looking at a minimum of three weeks on the sidelines.

Chelsea also have a slight concern over Joe Cole who was substituted after complaining of pain in his ankle but they are hopeful he will be okay to face Sunderland this weekend.