Wednesday 15 May 2013

Chelsea's Hazard ruled out of Europa League final


Chelsea's Hazard ruled out of Europa League final (© AP)
Amsterdam: Chelsea winger Eden Hazard will miss Wednesday's Europa League final against Benfica with a hamstring strain while John Terry's ankle problem is still being assessed, interim manager Rafa Benitez said.
The pair were injured in Saturday's Premier League win at Aston Villa. Captain Terry is desperate to prove his fitness after missing last season's Champions League final win over Bayern Munich through suspension.
"Hazard will not be available and, with John, we still have to wait to see how he feels," Benitez told a news conference at the Amsterdam Arena on Tuesday.
"It's not the best injury but tomorrow we will check it with the medical staff and then we will decide on John."
Belgian international Hazard limped off in the 2-1 victory over Villa while Terry was carried off on a stretcher after twisting his ankle in the second half.
In Hazard's absence, Frank Lampard is likely to play alongside David Luiz as the two midfield holding players with Brazilian Ramires pushed forward to join compatriot Oscar and Juan Mata in a trio playing just behind Fernando Torres.
Torres is certain to feature because Demba Ba, signed from Newcastle United in January, is Cup-tied.
Benitez will leave the club after Sunday's final Premier League game of the season at home to Everton, with media reports suggesting Jose Mourinho is to quit Real Madrid for a second stint in charge at Chelsea.
The Spaniard, who took over when Champions League-winning coach Roberto Di Matteo was sacked in November, said he would walk away a proud man if Chelsea could lift the Europa League trophy for the first time in their history.
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