Injury Latest - Terry, Sturridge & Romeu out injured.

[manpe 10,861]

I think Alex would be played even with lacking match fitness ahead of Ferreira, get real He has to gain fitness somehow, doesn't he? The first 3 games against inferior sides are perfect games to do it. Or do you suggest dropping him into reserves and play Ferreira against Kenwyne Jones? naah, I wouldn't...

[ZanSnake 1,211]

Nathaniel Chalobah to come in for his professional debut for 30 mins for Alex who will play for 60 mins

[Madmax 9,219]

Kalas, anyone?

[magic weeds 446]

Kalas, anyone?

I'd play Kalas instead of Nathaniel

[BlueLion. 21,491]

I'd rather play someone with experience, this is Stoke, not Norwich or Swansea.

[CBlake34 2]

Only good news is Frank is fine and back training. The bad is Ivanovic out with thigh injury, Torres will be kept out because of the concussion even if he is fine, David Luiz has no match fitness plus having a knee knock, and Mikel has a knock making him questionable. Alex played against the Rangers but still does not have match fitness so we will see if he starts.

[Tortilla9 390]

Only good news is Frank is fine and back training. The bad is Ivanovic out with thigh injury, Torres will be kept out because of the concussion even if he is fine, David Luiz has no match fitness plus having a knee knock, and Mikel has a knock making him questionable. Alex played against the Rangers but still does not have match fitness so we will see if he starts.

Which is the smart thing to do. If he was at Liverpool he'd be playing no matter what like he always did. One reason why Chelsea is a bigger club.

[BlueLion. 21,491]

Defence will most likely be Bosingwa - Alex - Terry - Cole, in that case. I don't fancy our chances against Stoke without Essien or Mikel as a physical holding presence. We'll probably see Ramires as the holder, with Lampard and Benayoun ahead of him?

[Fulham Broadway 16,856]

Stoke are known for their physicality? so lets hope theres no more injuries there. Our squad strength is deep enough at the moment

[BlueLion. 21,491]

'Physicality' is the polite way of saying they're dirty bastards.

[BlueLion. 21,491]

Fernando Torres fit for Chelsea game against Stoke

Torres has so far failed to live up to his record price tag

Fernando Torres has been passed fit to play in Chelsea's Premier League opener against Stoke on Sunday.

The striker suffered mild concussion in a collision in Spain's 2-1 defeat by Italy on Wednesday.

Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas said Torres had recovered and is available.

"Yesterday [Thursday] he still couldn't remember a couple of things from the game and from before the game [v Italy] but he was back in training and is up for selection," said Villas-Boas.

"We are favouring a 4-3-3 formation in our beginning, that's what we have been playing in pre-season, and we have a couple of players threatening for that central striker's position."

Torres, 27, has managed only one goal from 18 games for Chelsea.

He signed for the Stamford Bridge club from Liverpool for a British record £50m fee in January.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/14486819.stm

[eldo 868]

Cech out for 3-4 weeks.

[Steve 10,227]

Cech out for 3-4 weeks. Shattered...

[wisey11zola25 142]

Actually speechless about Cechs injury, devastating, 4 weeks of having to trust Ross or Henrique!

Call Courtois back from Loan? (probably won't happen as it's only a 4 week injury)

[manpe 10,861]

Actually speechless about Cechs injury, devastating, 4 weeks of having to trust Ross or Henrique!

Call Courtois back from Loan? (probably won't happen as it's only a 4 week injury)

I'd rather have Hilario in goal than Courtois

[chrismada9 1,948]

Once again...

...Chelsea have been hit with bad luck at the beginning of a season! Doesn't surprise me in the slightest! The fact that Cech won't be available for United at Old Trafford really pisses me off!!

[zolayes 14,489]

thank fuck it didnt happen last Frid .... typical we loan our new keeper out though

[ChelseaFanMKD 41]

Cant believe.. this just made my day worse..

Hilario had some good saves in the pre-season, i am hoping he will be good.