Robbed of cutting edge

With Arjen Robben injured how will Chelsea fair without the Dutch star?

Well, in the first game The Blues played without the 21-year-old, following his winner against Blackburn last Wednesday, they were held by Manchester City.

Jose Mourinho was also without striker Didier Drogba for the clash against City, but Robben is the player who has often been the decisive factor this term.

Chelsea had just over 60 percent of possession against Kevin Keegan's side but were unable to find the finishing touch or the quality to beat David James.

The England international pulled off a sensational save in injury time from international colleague Frank Lampard to ensure the visitors travelled back to Manchester with a point.

The loss of Robben for the contest left Mourinho playing out of sorts Mateja Kezman up front with Damien Duff down the left while Eidur Gudjohnsen was wide right.

Without the Dutch winger City defended deep and their defence grew in confidence as the contest wore on with the likes of Richard Dunne and Sylvain Distin superb at the back.

The Portuguese tactician felt his side should have won the game but, without Robben, who collected a knock against Rovers, believes the league leaders lacked creativity.

"It terms of creativity and in terms of quality of play I think so [missed Robben and Drogba]," said Mourinho to Sky Sports 1.

"Even without them we had chances to score goals and win the game."

Chelsea still lead The Premiership by nine points ahead of Manchester United, but should Robben be ruled out for any length of time - the club's title chances could by severely dented without the jet-heeled winger.