Deco blow for Hiddink

Deco: Sidelined

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Guus Hiddink led Chelsea to a 1-0 win over Manchester City on Sunday, but saw Deco hobble out of the action.

A solitary strike from Michael Essien was enough to keep the Blues in the title race as they reclaimed second spot in the Premier League standings.

However, the victory was soured by an injury to Portuguese playmaker Deco.

He was forced from the field four minutes before half-time after suffering a recurrence of a hamstring problem and could be sidelined for the remainder of the season.

"I think he will be out for a while," Hiddink said.

"He was fit and has been working hard but got the same problem again."

Asked whether Deco would recover before the end of the season, the Dutch coach said: "I have my doubts but let's see."

The injury blow aside, Hiddink was otherwise delighted to take three points from the City clash.

Tension

Chelsea now sit four points behind league leaders Manchester United, with all to play for between now and the end of the season.

"If it was just four points it would be very close, but they have that game in hand," he said.

"But it's clear that after yesterday's unexpected result (United's 4-1 defeat to Liverpool) that the tension has come back in the league.

"It's a boost. But if we want to track them, we have to keep on winning. That'll give tension to the end of the season, which is good for everyone.

"Every now and then you get a defeat you don't expect. Sometimes you don't expect it at home because you have a beautiful record, then all of a sudden it happens.

"But they're a very experienced team. Let's see how they react in the up-coming days. It's not the first time that it's happened, but the big teams always react.

"I don't know what their reaction will be. When you are in the driver's seat and someone else is coming, you can get a little bit nervous. It is a little bit open now."