Chelsea will be forced to start the new season without a recognised left-back after Wayne Bridge underwent surgery for a mystery pelvis injury.
In a worrying echo of the defensive crisis that undermined the Blues last season, Bridge has been ruled out for three months while Ashley Cole has not yet returned to training following an ankle operation.
According to The Daily Mail, Chelsea initially believed Bridge, who broke down in training last week, was suffering with a hip injury but he was sent to see a specialist when his condition did not improve.
Bridge will be unable to resume ball work for two months.
New signing Tal Ben Haim is poised to fill in until either Cole or Bridge return.
"Without Bridge and Cole for a few more weeks, I think Tal is my first option for left back," said boss Jose Mourinho. "I will play him in one of these matches at left back because I want to give him some routine, but I know he's a player I can trust."
Anyone remember how much Ben Haim was cost by the end of last season? Might be a bargain whatever the price.
And speaking of Chelsea fullbacks, everyone see Alves come in for Brazil yesterday and finish a textbook counter-attack? Just a thing of beauty, as was, to be honest, Baptista's opener.
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