Desailly hoping to make Fulham game

He injured the thigh in the FA Cup game against Preston on February 16th and initially said that he was hoping to be fit for the Charlton game. The news comes as a huge blow to Chelsea as they are currently without John Terry until mid March with a broken toe and it is not known how close to fitness William Gallas is. That would leave a potential centre back pairing of Manu Petit and Mario Melchiot for the game against Charlton.

Desailly revealed to his website: "After a few days' rest at the start of last week, I have returned to London for treatment. It now feels much better. I will probably need another few days to get back on track and then, if everything goes well, I'll be ready for our game against Fulham."

The Blues need to win most of their remaining games if they are to get a Champions League place and they face crucial games in their run in against Manchester United and Liverpool. They also have a chance to exact revenge against Spurs in the FA Cup at the quarter final stage.