Fernando Torres really does seem to be up against it at the moment - and boy, does he need a lift.
That should come tonight in the Champions League group match against Bayer Leverkusen when he’s restored to the starting line-up after being dropped to the bench for Saturday’s league match against Sunderland.
Chelsea coach Andres Villas-Boas is in a difficult place in that he must decide either to punish Torres further for his online comment about his team-mates by not playing him, or use tonight’s match as a way of getting him out of his footballing slump which has followed him since last season while at Liverpool.
The decision is partly about power - something that is core to how Chelsea conduct their affairs.
Torres claims he was mistranslated regarding comments made about “slow and old” team-mates.
But the comments were made on his personal website.
Now the club are “investigating” the situation, which means they will attempt to get hold of the original recording of the interview Torres gave - good luck with that.
But what then, if it is proven that he said what he said? Will the club fine him, can they fine him?
Under whose jurisdiction was Torres when the comments were made - The Spanish FA’s or the club’s?
And even if he did make them, so what?
It’s a common criticism and very much in the public domain that Chelsea’s approach play was slow and some of the players are closer to 35 than they are to 30.
No, this is all power and the club don’t like it when they perceive an attack is made on the club in public.
Torres’s career at Chelsea is in the balance - if he is not in the side, he can’t score goals.
If he in the side and scores goals, especially if Meireles and Mata provide them for him, then he will be seen to be justified in his comment - well by the fans at least.
Can Chelsea really control what their players say in a personal capacity - this is the nub of the problem.
The modern-day phenomenon of personal websites, and social media allow instant access to the public.
The days where players had a quiet word and briefed a sympathetic journalist are few and far between - although it still goes on.
Clubs restrict official access to players - some players welcome that, others see it as in infringement on their right to free speech.
The battlelines have been drawn and in most case where it’s a battle between player and club - the player inevitably wins.
Where will Torres be this time next season, any suggestions?
Chelsea will be without Didier Drogba and Michael Essien who are injured.
Ramires is suspended so Mikel is due to return after being rested at the weekend.