Bridge out for Six

CITY have been hit by an injury blow after a scan revealed Wayne Bridge could be out of action for up to six weeks - ruling him out of the two-legged Carling Cup semi-final against United next month.

Initial diagnosis suggested two to three weeks, but a scan revealed a medial ligament injury which could keep him out for four to six weeks...

"Now we have Wayne injured. But we have Sylvinho who can slot in there with all his experience, we have Javier Garrido still available, and Joleon Lescott has played left-back for Everton.

Stevie Ireland is also expected to be back in the reckoning after missing the win over Chelsea with a knee injury, while Shaun Wright-Phillips has shaken off a calf problem.

Micah Richards, meanwhile, has recovered from a knee injury and has returned to training, having limped out of the victory against Chelsea on Saturday.

Sylvinho (6.07) would be a good value pick, but it's the option to move Lescott to left back and play Kompany, who is cheap at just over 4 but listed as a midfielder, at center back.  Something to check on in Friday's team news.

Bridge Injury New Headache For Jose

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.