Considering many of us were wondering how we’d have a defence up until January, the news that Alex can play, and Terry may be back for Newcastle, is more than welcome.
Considering we played with four recognised full backs at Sunderland, and were roundly spanked, the thought of having to see through some big games, and our traditionally tricky Christmas fixtures was a worry.
However after sitting on the bench for Brazil mid-week, and with an operation able to be postponed, Alex is available for selection.
Speaking to TOCFCWS Alex said; “I need surgery, and maybe after the game I will go to Brazil and do the operation on Thursday. Arthroscopic surgery is easy to do, and I can play on Saturday to help the team. We have too many players injured, so I said to the coach I can play. I am not 100 percent fit but I can play.”
“On the training pitch it is good, no problem, I have done some light sessions, I trained on Friday and it is okay, I am ready to help my team and to help them win. It is an important game for us, a difficult game, and we need to win.”
One player that does miss out though is Yuri Zhirkov, who returned from international duty with an injury. So as Carlo has so few players to chose from, he said that only the right back position is not yet chosen, with either Ferreira or Bosingwa to be decided upon.
The remainder of the team will be Cech in goal, Ivanovic and Alex at the back, with Cole left back. Mikel, Malouda and Ramires will be the middle three, with Malouda replacing Yuri, and a front three of Anelka, Kalou and Drogba.
Speaking ahead of the match, Ancelotti stated; “We need to move on immediately and to have a reaction. We want to forget Sunderland with a fantastic performance, we can play well and maintain the top of the table. The championship unfortunately does not finish tomorrow. If tomorrow was the last game then I think we would have a lot of possibility to win the title, but we have to play a lot of games again.”
“This is an important game for us, we are not putting our head in the sand. This is important because we can move on quickly from the defeat or we can stay in the difficult moment. It depends on us.”
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