Alex Out Another Month

Alex to remain sidelined for three to four more weeks.
http://bit.ly/eOtqBpless than a minute ago via webfantasyfootballscout
FFScout

Just a timely reminder that Chelsea's defence remains thin, as well as fragile.

Alex and Terry out for Months

ALEX SIDELINED FOR SIX TO EIGHT WEEKS | Latest Chelsea News | Team & Transfer News | Chelsea FC | Chelsea

Alex has withdrawn from the Brazil squad to play Argentina this week and will undergo surgery on his knee.

Further... investigation via arthroscopic surgery is required on the player's right knee. That will take place over the coming days.

He is expected to be out for approximately six to eight weeks.

This, of course, is compounded by John Terry's indefinite absence due to "a long-term nerve problem in his right leg.

‘Basically, I am trying whatever is suggested. I’m at my wits’ end. I know I won’t play on Saturday against Birmingham City, but beyond that there are no clues. It could be weeks, it could be months.

So mighty Chelsea's starting center-back pairing is... right-back Paulo Ferreira and right-back Branislav Ivanovic!?!?!

Alex Back; Ramires and Lampard out

ALEX BACK FOR BLACKBURN | Latest Chelsea News | Team & Transfer News | Chelsea FC | Chelsea

Ramires and Frank Lampard remain sidelined for this weekend's fixture, but Alex returns to the line-up after a four-week layoff.

The defender has not played since smashing in the second goal against Arsenal on October 3, but will partner John Terry in the centre of defence against Blackburn on Saturday afternoon.

Yay! Another week with Zhirkov at a cheap defender playing in midfield!

Alex Doubt for Villa Match

ALEX WITHDRAWN FROM BRAZIL SQUAD | Latest Chelsea News | Team & Transfer News | Chelsea FC | Chelsea

[Alex]underwent medical assessment on a thigh muscle injury sustained in the closing moments of Sunday's win over Arsenal, after he had scored Chelsea's second goal.

It is estimated he will be out for three weeks.

Thanks to a yellow card in his substitute appearance at the weekend, Ferreira is back down to 6.14. Of course we'll also be monitoring Bosingwa's return, which is rumoured to be the Villa match. He's just 6.59 and would be a tasty addition to your fantasy side if he is indeed Chelsea's number one number two.

No Rest for the Defence

So, Robbie... tell about Liverpool. Did they treat you well there?

... or "It's all happening at the back".

Liverpool agree fee of £2.5m for Aston Villa's Luke Young

Liverpool have made a surprise move for the Aston Villa full-back Luke Young. Roy Hodgson, the Liverpool manager, tried to sign Young earlier this year when he was in charge of Fulham and he has now rekindled his interest in the former England international. Liverpool have agreed a £2.5m fee for a player who has been told he is surplus to requirements at Villa Park.

Although Hodgson's pursuit of Young might raise a few eyebrows among Liverpool supporters, the 31-year-old is able to operate in both full-back positions... He would also increase Liverpool's quota of homegrown players to comply with the new Premier League rule.

Young has long been a fantasy favorite, back to his Charlton days when he was listed in the game as "Young, Luke". He was also a fierce tackling, adventurous fullback. Which we love. I don't remember where his price was last season, but hopefully we'll get another starting full back on a top-7 team for reasonable money.

Elsewhere in the world of the defensive arts...

Photo of the Week

photo courtesy of AFP

Chelsea's Brazilian player Alex(R) challenges Portsmouth's Peter Crouch during the Premiership football match at Fratton Park in Portsmouth. Chelsea won 1-0.