Chelsea
striker Radamel Falcao has suffered a setback in his recovery from a thigh
problem and could be out until at least mid-January.
The Colombian has not played for the Blues since the 3-1 defeat by Liverpool
on October 31 and has started just one Premier League match this season,
scoring once, to continue another ill-fated loan move from Monaco after a
spell at Manchester United last term.
Interim manager Guus Hiddink insisted two days ago that Falcao was not
match-fit, but has now revealed that the 29-year-old has suffered a
recurrence of a muscle problem that has troubled him in recent weeks.
"We had him in a game and he had this injury again that he had before. It's
the inside of his thigh," Hiddink said.
"Yes, I think it's back to square one. He's in treatment at the moment. He
cannot appear on the pitch.
"He was out and our medical staff tried to build him up, and he had a
setback which is not always a positive signal. We hope within 10 days he
might be fit again, though not to play."
top