Crespo to miss next six weeks

Chelsea's injury crisis worsened today with the news that Hernan Crespo may be sidelined for another six weeks.

The Argentine striker limped out of last week's 1-0 defeat to Liverpool with a recurrence of a calf injury and he has not responded well to treatment.

Juan Veron, Emmanuel Petit and Damien Duff are also out and the lengthy injury list has increased the likelihood that Chelsea will strengthen their squad during the transfer window. Petit and Duff, however, have both returned to training but Veron could be forced to have an operation on his back problem.

Manager Claudio Ranieri said: "Crespo is having treatment and he could be out for a month or six weeks. Duff and Petit will be back soon but Veron will be out a little longer. He may need an operation."

Ranieri has threatened to make more changes ahead of tonight's FA Cup third-round replay against Watford. The Italian made six changes to his starting line-up for Sunday's 4-0 win at Leicester and has vowed to carry on tinkering.

He said: "I'm always watching my players and make changes because I believe in this way."