Chelsea goalkeeper set to spend four weeks on the treatment table…

Continued...

Andre Villas-Boas is finding that life in the Premier League is every bit as tough as it’s cracked up to be. Having seen his Chelsea team stutter to a goalless draw against Stoke on Sunday, he’s now been confronted with the news that he will be without Petr Cech for the next four weeks due to a ligament injury.

The spotlight will now be placed upon veteran stopper Hilario, a competent enough custodian, but no replacement for the indomitable Cech. Another option would be young stopper Ross Turnbull, although Villas-Boas might be wary of throwing him in at the deep end, particularly in the light of young David De Gea’s struggles at Man United.

Meanwhile, Chelsea’s travails in the transfer market continue, with Tottenham still standing firm on the protracted transfer of Luka Modric. Chelsea are said to be preparing another bid involving the exchange of Salomon Kalou and Yossi Benayoun, and Villas Boas will hope that that piece of business can be put to bed as quickly as possible.

Here’s why they’re so keen to bag the little Croatian…

Chelsea have been crying out for a midfield schemer for years now, and Modric would be a very welcome addition indeed. Failing that, a renewed bid for Valencia’s Juan Mata would be a more than adequate alternative.

However, there’s even drama for Villas-Boas to deal with amongst his players’ personal lives. The disturbing kidnap of Jon Obi Mikel’s father is a nightmare that transcends the petty grievances of the football field, and yet Villa Boas will be concerned that his midfield enforcer will surely be unable to focus on the job at hand amid such considerable personal trauma.

All in all it should be an eventful few weeks for the young Chelsea boss. Welcome to the Premier League Andre!