Carvalho doubt for Chelsea

Defender struggling with back injury

Last updated: 7th May 2008

Ricardo Carvalho

Carvalho: Back injury

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Chelsea defender Ricardo Carvalho is a fitness doubt for the Premier League finale at home to Bolton on Sunday.

Carvalho was substituted 11 minutes from time in the Blues' 2-0 victory over Newcastle on Monday afternoon after twice falling heavily on his back.

The Portugal international underwent intensive treatment on Tuesday and is desperate to be fit in time to face Wanderers at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea must better Manchester United's result at Wigan if they are to lift the Premier League crown, while Bolton are all-but safe from relegation.

Vital

Carvalho is a vital member of Avram Grant's side and has not been on the losing side in the last 42 league games he had played in.

It is a run that stretches back to Chelsea's away defeat at Tottenham in November 2006.

Striker Salomon Kalou is also struggling with an ankle injury but he should be fit in time.

Cole

Meanwhile, England left-back Ashley Cole, rested for their win over Newcastle on Monday, believes Bolton will not make it easy for them.

"Bolton will be coming to the Bridge wanting to win whether they are safe or not, we'll be so focused and determined to beat them," said Cole.

"We have a lot of big players with big hearts and everyone wants to win.

"We have to win because it would be a killer if Manchester United got a draw and we didn't get a result."