Injuries cloud Blues Europa final build-up

BIRMINGHAM – Chelsea are facing an anxious wait to discover if Eden Hazard and John Terry will be fit for Wednesday’s Europa League final against Benfica.

Hazard and Chelsea captain Terry both suffered injuries during Saturday’s 2-1 victory over Aston Villa, secured thanks to a Frank Lampard double which saw the England midfielder overtake Bobby Tambling’s previous all-time club record of 202 goals. Terry was carried off on a stretcher after a collision with Ron Vlaar, while Hazard pulled up in added time following a challenge by Eric Lichaj.

Both players are now set to under- go scans to determine the extent of their problems.

“The injuries are the bad news, we have to wait and see how they are,” said interim Chelsea manager Rafael Benitez.

“John Terry has twisted his ankle and we have to wait for a scan on Hazard who hurt his ankle. We will have to wait and see.”

Benitez paid tribute to Lampard after his 88th-minute winner saw him make Chelsea history and insisted the 34-year-old, who is out of contract in the summer, can continue to play at the top level.

“I think it’s great news for everyone, he’s a great player and he has been working so hard to be there,” Benitez said.

“To achieve what he’s achieved is amazing, he’s a very good professional and I’m really pleased for him because he scored two goals and he won the game. I said before that it’s not my decision. He’s a great professional and he is working so hard, he is giving everything for the team,” the Spaniard added.

“All the information we have, the data is good. You can see he can play games.

“I think he is a great professional, he is very intelligent, so I think he can play in a very good team for a while. How long, you never know.”

This victory effectively secured Chelsea’s place in the Champions League next season – one of the key tasks that confronted Benitez following his controversial appointment in November following the sacking of fans’ favourite Roberto di Matteo.

“I think it was important for us,” said former Liverpool manager Benitez. “Since I came everyone was talking about how I had to qualify the team for the Champions League. It’s nearly done, top-four guaranteed. We will see if we can finish in the top-three. But at least we are in a position we wanted to be.” –